All I can say is the view from the smoothly running van was just awesome - I LOVE FALL - BUT dummy here was struggling with the speed control all the way to Falcon Lake when she realized - DUH I have "cruise control" - but too late as I'd entered the curves and hills going into Ontario.
Yeppers off I went for a week's vacation to visit Sylvia and Len but I warned BABE that she was only going for a visit she was not staying there! Her home was with me in the city now! My brother-in-law just chuckled but did say he missed the van very much. Oh well!!!
Usually when I go out there I have a very relaxing visit with lots of fresh air, good food and awesome company along with lots of sewing! WELL this was not so this time around as Sylvia's blood test once again showed her thyroid acting up so back and forth we went that week for Dr. and blood test appts. Kinda worrying it was.
BUT we did get a side trip in to Sioux Lookout to check out this quilting retreat that Dori's Sewing Studio just offerred out to Osprey Island (yeppers by pontoon boat) and also visit Serenity Quilts (owner remembered Sylvia from last year's visit). And yes Sylvia and I are going to go to it next year. I'm not keen on that boat trip after seeing pics of this years retreat and the rough lake but they said it's safe!!! Sylvia has always wondered if I'd go to a retreat with her either out east or down south instead of her travelling into Winnipeg and then venturing to retreats either in Manitoba or out West. Guess now's the time! The Lodge is just awesome and can fit 12, maybe 14 quilters and the food was awesome and they said they had a great time! WOW!
Then Friday when I was heading back to Winnipeg Sylvia and Len were heading back to Dryden for more tests and then Sunday off to Thunder Bay for tests for both of them. SHEESH!!! Well on Thursday TB called Sylvia to say her thyroid tests are all normal and Dryden called to say her blood test was normal too so not sure what the glitch was in the previous one but we are all relieved! She feels and looks so much better and is back into her quilting mood so that confirms she's feeling better too!!! Now to await Len's results and see if his back problems can be relieved some - would be great news!!!
Needless to say once I reached Manitoba border and the flatter highway, on went the cruise for a more relaxing ride. Gosh I could have had many speeding tickets on my way there I can tell you! Yep I felt like I was in LUXURY compared to my old "bomb" as the girls call the Pontiac Parisienne - one more road trip in her and then she'll be retired!
Sunday, October 02, 2011
Friday, September 16, 2011
Road Trip?
OMGG I think I’m so tired from all my various stitching etc that I’m getting giddy with joy and anticipation of my very first “all alone” road trip with my newer vehicle – the BABE!!! Gosh will I make it to tomorrow afternoon for departure – better remember my sunflower seeds me thinks???
All the new stuff to play with again (it’s been like 5 years since the Charger had some of these “toys” that to many think of as every day necessities)!!!
1. No more for sure worries about breakdowns on the road – the BABE is in great shape!
2. Windshield wipers (rear too) and washer that work
3. Emergency brake that works
4. All the doors can be used and electronically too
5. Windows all work electronically too and won’t fall out when rolled down
6. Reminder that gas level is low – WOW wasn’t expecting this one – yes I filled up LOL
7. Storage without gas odours
8. AC that works
9. Radio that works and a CD player too – no more hand held jobbies and endless batteries or earbuds that wear out or sore ears (only had one in)!!!
10. Van is higher than a car and visibility is great – also smaller than my BOMB so easier to park - also better gas mileage too
11. And best of all I can have passengers for future road trips instead of worrying that we might have to walk if something happens.
OH MY I think I’ve died and gone to heaven!!! Except please Lord don’t take me yet, I have a zillion quilting projects to sew up yet and many more road trips to make!!! Thank you Sylvia & Len and Daddy too! See the last of his estate gifts made this purchase possible!
Hmmm I just thought of something, maybe instead of an Angel for my mirror decoration I should have a Fish – Dad loved to go fishing!!! I've put a stained glass Snowman for now but that could easily be a Christmas tree ornament - added to my collection!
All the new stuff to play with again (it’s been like 5 years since the Charger had some of these “toys” that to many think of as every day necessities)!!!
1. No more for sure worries about breakdowns on the road – the BABE is in great shape!
2. Windshield wipers (rear too) and washer that work
3. Emergency brake that works
4. All the doors can be used and electronically too
5. Windows all work electronically too and won’t fall out when rolled down
6. Reminder that gas level is low – WOW wasn’t expecting this one – yes I filled up LOL
7. Storage without gas odours
8. AC that works
9. Radio that works and a CD player too – no more hand held jobbies and endless batteries or earbuds that wear out or sore ears (only had one in)!!!
10. Van is higher than a car and visibility is great – also smaller than my BOMB so easier to park - also better gas mileage too
11. And best of all I can have passengers for future road trips instead of worrying that we might have to walk if something happens.
OH MY I think I’ve died and gone to heaven!!! Except please Lord don’t take me yet, I have a zillion quilting projects to sew up yet and many more road trips to make!!! Thank you Sylvia & Len and Daddy too! See the last of his estate gifts made this purchase possible!
Hmmm I just thought of something, maybe instead of an Angel for my mirror decoration I should have a Fish – Dad loved to go fishing!!! I've put a stained glass Snowman for now but that could easily be a Christmas tree ornament - added to my collection!
Framed Art Piece Completed!
I was given the honour of stitching up one of my fabric postcard images into a picture for one of our Dept's All Charities Silent Auction baskets. WOW WEE!!! Now my postcards are naturally 4x6 inch so I suggested to the colleague to purchase a frame to hold a 5x7 inch picture and preferrably a shadow box type of frame. This also was not an expensive one as everyone's preferences of frames for their home/office are different so we compromised and chose something that can be discarded but yet looked good with the image.
The one thing I did change was that I added in a lace table runner to add some elegance to the art. The cups were from a fabric I picked up ages ago and where embellished with silver lined beads and DMC metallic thread before adding a layer of batting and then appliqueing onto the background (a piece of upholstery fabric I still have left over from my girlfriend's remodelling days). And lo and behold I had TWO teaspoons in my stash - talk about LUCKY!!! OKAY I'll quit talking and show you the pictures!!!
So needless to say I've left money and my choices and the girls will be making out my tickets and dropping them into the appropriate draw buckets for me as I won't be in attendance for this Deptmental event. Won't that be something to be the lucky winner of the Tea for Two basket!!!
The one thing I did change was that I added in a lace table runner to add some elegance to the art. The cups were from a fabric I picked up ages ago and where embellished with silver lined beads and DMC metallic thread before adding a layer of batting and then appliqueing onto the background (a piece of upholstery fabric I still have left over from my girlfriend's remodelling days). And lo and behold I had TWO teaspoons in my stash - talk about LUCKY!!! OKAY I'll quit talking and show you the pictures!!!
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| My original postcard - 4x6 in |
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| 5 x 7 fabric art |
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| Shadow box framed fabric art |
So needless to say I've left money and my choices and the girls will be making out my tickets and dropping them into the appropriate draw buckets for me as I won't be in attendance for this Deptmental event. Won't that be something to be the lucky winner of the Tea for Two basket!!!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
It's Finished - On Time TOO!!!
OK these are lovely blocks Lorrie but I find it hard to concentrate on “sewing themes” with the lovely butterfly and dragonfly fabrics. To me this is more for a pastel garden theme but I did sort myself on the proper road!!! I knew there was no doubt about it but tat the butterfly trim (after many false attempts – I persevered). Then while collecting sewing themes online, catalogues and friends I got started.
First the Joint Block (blogged previously): I did a sort of redwork motif with off white floss on the dark purple patch – slightly different layout than the original image. This patch I wanted a “pins & needles” for a seam treatment and came up with the herringbone stitch with Colonial knots strategically placed to resemble a stick pin border. Then the small triangular 3-patch was the dilemma again but our own Kerry gave me the needle, thread and threader idea and I used her raised Fishbone BAS stitch and VOILA – all finished.
Now to work on my whole block: Yes I had mapped out my plans on paper and then just had to carry it through.
As you can see I continued the butterfly tatted trim and overstitched with DMC metallic threads the centre large butterfly and added three heart buttons. I also thank Lorrie for the charms as mine are very limited as yet. Right after I finished the joint block I started on the corset (?) to appliqué in place – HARD!!! Then came the velvet pin cushion and scattered pins and thimble sewn in place. I then sewed the scissors in place and decided they needed a lanyard so off I was braiding some #5 DMC and just looped and stitched in place. Then I found a plastic thread half button and cut off the shank and wrapped matching thread around and stitched in place. I also carried the thread through to meander over a couple of patches and finally into a needle – also scattered pins. I added some sewing words and last was fighting with making the baby button jar. I had the idea but sure struggled trying to make it! A few seam treatments and I think it’s finished!
Hope Lorrie likes it as much as I do – also a co-worker said I HAVE to keep this it’s a treasure and make another to send away!!! NO WAY JOSE!!!
First the Joint Block (blogged previously): I did a sort of redwork motif with off white floss on the dark purple patch – slightly different layout than the original image. This patch I wanted a “pins & needles” for a seam treatment and came up with the herringbone stitch with Colonial knots strategically placed to resemble a stick pin border. Then the small triangular 3-patch was the dilemma again but our own Kerry gave me the needle, thread and threader idea and I used her raised Fishbone BAS stitch and VOILA – all finished.
Now to work on my whole block: Yes I had mapped out my plans on paper and then just had to carry it through.
As you can see I continued the butterfly tatted trim and overstitched with DMC metallic threads the centre large butterfly and added three heart buttons. I also thank Lorrie for the charms as mine are very limited as yet. Right after I finished the joint block I started on the corset (?) to appliqué in place – HARD!!! Then came the velvet pin cushion and scattered pins and thimble sewn in place. I then sewed the scissors in place and decided they needed a lanyard so off I was braiding some #5 DMC and just looped and stitched in place. Then I found a plastic thread half button and cut off the shank and wrapped matching thread around and stitched in place. I also carried the thread through to meander over a couple of patches and finally into a needle – also scattered pins. I added some sewing words and last was fighting with making the baby button jar. I had the idea but sure struggled trying to make it! A few seam treatments and I think it’s finished!
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| Body form n spool of thread |
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| Button jar |
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| Butterfly fabric enhanced |
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| Pin cushion n pins |
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| Scissor charm n braided lanyard |
Hope Lorrie likes it as much as I do – also a co-worker said I HAVE to keep this it’s a treasure and make another to send away!!! NO WAY JOSE!!!
Saturday, September 03, 2011
YEAH New Wheels!!!
Well quess it's Good Bye to my bruised and slightly battered 1982 Pontiac Parisienne that I was to only have for two years (kept more like 5 years) before moving up to the 1990s and a mid-sized compact of some kind. AND Hello Babe (bAb) to my newly acquired 2003 Pontiac Montana (which I've always enjoyed driving for them), just bought off my sister Sylvia and hubby who naturally bought another vehicle today!
Now I can tell you that it was with much JOY to look forward to having this vehicle sometimes soon, but yesterday after much car shopping they came back sore and disheartened and told me they had decided to keep their van, especially now that it was safetied and I was told it's a great little van and I should save a bundle just on the gas difference. Well that definitely was not something I thought would happen, a delay until they found a vehicle yes, not a mind changing decision. I tried to keep a calm face and accept their decision. After awhile I found out it was a JOKE on me as they already had picked out their vehicle just had to finalize the deal. Well it was a JOKE backfired on them and left me very upset and kinda ruined my happiness in finally owning it.
So yes we got the registration changed, my car parked until I can get a transfer permit and haul it away for salvage. It took all afternoon before it kicked in that I'm now the proud owner of a newer better running vehicle for hopefully a number of years to come!!! Yes, lots better and I even picked up Florence to take pics of me and Babe!!! Now my racing heart has changed from despair to joy and hope it stays for a while!!!
Now I can tell you that it was with much JOY to look forward to having this vehicle sometimes soon, but yesterday after much car shopping they came back sore and disheartened and told me they had decided to keep their van, especially now that it was safetied and I was told it's a great little van and I should save a bundle just on the gas difference. Well that definitely was not something I thought would happen, a delay until they found a vehicle yes, not a mind changing decision. I tried to keep a calm face and accept their decision. After awhile I found out it was a JOKE on me as they already had picked out their vehicle just had to finalize the deal. Well it was a JOKE backfired on them and left me very upset and kinda ruined my happiness in finally owning it.
So yes we got the registration changed, my car parked until I can get a transfer permit and haul it away for salvage. It took all afternoon before it kicked in that I'm now the proud owner of a newer better running vehicle for hopefully a number of years to come!!! Yes, lots better and I even picked up Florence to take pics of me and Babe!!! Now my racing heart has changed from despair to joy and hope it stays for a while!!!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Lorrie's DYOB - Joint Block
OK I've chosen and completed the Sew It Up DYOB RR joint block from Lorrie's group and went to town with some of the many ideas I was collecting from online pics, catalogues and even from friends!!! This RR was a bit intimidating for me as I thought HOW DOES ONE STITCH sewing stuff in reduced size and onto a 6 inch block??? Well with some creative thinking and help with stitch selections I think I'm going to be OK with this RR!
So first off I worked on the joint block and had no problem with the one seam allowance. See I read and then saw a different pattern about joined tatted butterflies and thought I could do that with my simpler pattern. Well it was easier in my mind than actually tatting it but after about a half dozen mistakes I got the knack and produced the trim length and stitched it on with seed bead bodies.
Then I found this lovely motif in a flowing design but unless you were lying down it really would not work on the patch I had chosen. Not defeated though, I just chopped it up and stitched it on right side up anyways - like "redwork" but with a cream floss. This patch I then wanted "pins n needles" for a seam treatment - now how was the question!!! But while watching TV and cuddling/petting the two little dogs I'm sitting the idea came to me and boy was I glad they decided to go curl up on the couch not long afterwards!!!
See I thought of the herringbone stitch but adding Colonial knots strategically to resemble a stick pin border! It worked too - was I ever glad - gonna have to use that one again I think.
Now was the real delimma - that tiny corner patch!!! This time I sent out a pic and email to my RR group and asked for ideas - many good ones came back too! One I truly loved from our very own Kerry L and also after checking out her BAS stitch recently the idea came to mind and off to the races I was - stitching like mad. Even a bit annoyed I had to stop to take the girls for their nightly walk halfway through - but I was back at it right away much to the chagrin of the girls as they thought it was now bedtime and here I stitched till 10:30 (Lilla periodically let out a few growls that she was not happy). He He!
So there filling that 3-patch triangle is a needle and thread with a needle threader. I thought that was so ingenious of Kerry to mention this motif but she meant to stitch on an actual threader and here I incorporated her Fishbone Stitch into a stitched threader! Thank you my dear!!!
Now I'm back to playing on the whole block (partial ideas stitched - need to be appliqued on) and pray I can finish it this weekend so I can stay focused and send it on before mail out date mid-month.
So first off I worked on the joint block and had no problem with the one seam allowance. See I read and then saw a different pattern about joined tatted butterflies and thought I could do that with my simpler pattern. Well it was easier in my mind than actually tatting it but after about a half dozen mistakes I got the knack and produced the trim length and stitched it on with seed bead bodies.
Then I found this lovely motif in a flowing design but unless you were lying down it really would not work on the patch I had chosen. Not defeated though, I just chopped it up and stitched it on right side up anyways - like "redwork" but with a cream floss. This patch I then wanted "pins n needles" for a seam treatment - now how was the question!!! But while watching TV and cuddling/petting the two little dogs I'm sitting the idea came to me and boy was I glad they decided to go curl up on the couch not long afterwards!!!
See I thought of the herringbone stitch but adding Colonial knots strategically to resemble a stick pin border! It worked too - was I ever glad - gonna have to use that one again I think.
Now was the real delimma - that tiny corner patch!!! This time I sent out a pic and email to my RR group and asked for ideas - many good ones came back too! One I truly loved from our very own Kerry L and also after checking out her BAS stitch recently the idea came to mind and off to the races I was - stitching like mad. Even a bit annoyed I had to stop to take the girls for their nightly walk halfway through - but I was back at it right away much to the chagrin of the girls as they thought it was now bedtime and here I stitched till 10:30 (Lilla periodically let out a few growls that she was not happy). He He!
So there filling that 3-patch triangle is a needle and thread with a needle threader. I thought that was so ingenious of Kerry to mention this motif but she meant to stitch on an actual threader and here I incorporated her Fishbone Stitch into a stitched threader! Thank you my dear!!!
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| Lorrie's DYOB - Joint Block |
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| Rose Anne's input on Joint Block |
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| Stick pin border & Raised Fishbone Stitch BAS #73 |
Now I'm back to playing on the whole block (partial ideas stitched - need to be appliqued on) and pray I can finish it this weekend so I can stay focused and send it on before mail out date mid-month.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Saga Continues
Yep I'm still house/pet sitting but just started the second home which does not come with maid service but still just as likeable and easy to care for as the other home. I dropped over to Lexi's house to pick up the odds n ends I left behind and to drop off their keys and the owners were very happy with the house and their pets. Well Lexi just tried to crawl all over me she was excited to see me - Simba well needless to say not interested at that time. I'll miss them but also glad those walking marathons are over as Lexi knows only "fast" speed and for 20-30 minutes that was a might too much for my aching knees. LOL!
Well I'm in a more relax environment now as both Lilla and Molly have to inspect each tree to the ninth degree before you dare move them on for their walk around the long block - yeppers that's all you get to go but that in itself takes just about 20 minutes or longer depending on their moods. LOL! Mucho easier on my knees and only once a day, otherwise breaks into the back yard.
I've naturally got my stitching with me so will keep you posted as I have something to show.
Well I'm in a more relax environment now as both Lilla and Molly have to inspect each tree to the ninth degree before you dare move them on for their walk around the long block - yeppers that's all you get to go but that in itself takes just about 20 minutes or longer depending on their moods. LOL! Mucho easier on my knees and only once a day, otherwise breaks into the back yard.
I've naturally got my stitching with me so will keep you posted as I have something to show.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Debbie's DYOB 3 Block is Here
Yes I've just received today my swap block from Debbie H and it is another soft tone-on-tone crazy quilted block and embellishing. Something I don't seem to achieve - most of mine are bold and colourful!!! I'm going to have to sneak a page from these girls colour schemes and give a try one of these days! All I can say is next to my own block for each DYOB it's going to be neato seeing them the softer tones and different embellishing styles. What a lovely learning experience.
Do you see the three embroidered insects? No, well check out the heart clockwise: 12:00 noon; 2:00 pm and then 7:00 pm! Aren't they just sweet!!! I especially love the beetle at the bottom! Thank you very very much Debbie for the lovely block.
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| Rose Anne's swapped block - sent to Margreet |
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| Debbie H's swapped block - sent to MOI! |
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| Lovely presentation! |
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| Top Left |
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| Top Right |
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| Bottom Right |
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| Bottom Left |
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| Centre |
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Farewell Lorne
SIGURDUR LORNE MARTIN
December 9, 1951 - August 21, 2011
With Maggie at his side, as always, and a handful of his closest friends and family nearby, Lorne passed away peacefully on a sunny Sunday afternoon at St. Boniface.
extracted from the Winnipeg Free Press, August 23, 2011
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Yes it’s with such a heavy heart that I have to say "Goodbye" to Lorne, one of our most caring/understanding colleague/friend! He’s hopefully leading the choir of angels with his accompanying music!!! I feel so devastated for Maggie – they were always together!!!
These words are from a card that my niece gave me and I truly think they sum up what I feel!
Monday, August 22, 2011
DYOB #3 for Margreet
YEAH it is FINISHED!!! And will be mailed off Monday to Margreet! OK I've got the LADDERFLANELSTEEK, Basque, Tulip, and finally the Cast On Stitches along with some of my favourite ones: Feather, Daisy, Chain with Stem, and finally the Cretan Stitches, some with beads too.
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| The Whole Block |
Naturally I've included my simple Allison's Edging top right, some of my purchased laces and Bullion knots for a rose (bottom left) and paisley shape above the rose filled in with beads. And finished off with a brass butterfly over the pansies along with my crocheted heart attached with pearl beads. Below the top left shows off in the upper left corner Basque stitch, below the tatting is the LADDERFLANELSTEEK (twisted cretan), right of the crocheted heart is the Tulip stitch and the pansies were done with the Cast On stitch. Those were the four stitches called in this DYOB this round.
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| Top Left |
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| Top Right |
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| Bottom Right |
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| Bottom Left |
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| Centre |
OK this is all the pics! Now hope there's a bit of a break before the next DYOB starts as I've no time to stitch up my blocks and as yet have to finish off my own heart block some day!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Some Good News!
OK August started off with my girlfriend "gifting" me a vintage electric sewing machine, to her selling me her widescreen HP laptop with wireless router and SlingBox (still not sure about this baby) for a good deal. So now when my sewing room is all sorted out and I'm in there for any length of time I can just swing the chair over and check my emails!!! YEAH!!! But better yet I'm using it with cable at the house sitting instead of up and down the basement stairs to the computer desk!!! This way the pets are on the main floor too and I get to listen to the music too!
Then last week I had a "delimma" to sort through and today I've made my decision. Sylvia and Len are shopping for a new vehicle and from past experience they are not bothering to trade in their vehicle. So I was asked if I wanted it as it still is in good shape and well looked after. I checked what insurance etc might cost compared to my old bomb (which needs some much needed repairs soon and tires) and decided I'll buy their Montana van (smaller sized) off them and with some more determined spending controls it should not be a problem. Plus I'll have a vehicle that works properly and as Florence says "YEAH finally a car that all the doors and wipers work"; plus cruise and AC and power locks n windows!!! So as soon as they purchase something then I'll be doing the switcherooie!!!
Then while chatting with Sylvia about the van she also gave me some more good news!!! WOW no wonder my insides have been jittery!!! Well she'd been for a checkup on her broken leg and was told it is finally healing and that she can now walk with that boot cast instead of hobbling with the walker or using the wheel chair. YEAH!!! So our fall quilting retreat will be a lot easier I hope for her to attend - OH YEAH she is definitely looking forward to it and has even been doing some quilting at home. Finally she's feeling better and definitely looking more healthy too!!! Now just to get Len on the road to better health and mobility!!!
Then last week I had a "delimma" to sort through and today I've made my decision. Sylvia and Len are shopping for a new vehicle and from past experience they are not bothering to trade in their vehicle. So I was asked if I wanted it as it still is in good shape and well looked after. I checked what insurance etc might cost compared to my old bomb (which needs some much needed repairs soon and tires) and decided I'll buy their Montana van (smaller sized) off them and with some more determined spending controls it should not be a problem. Plus I'll have a vehicle that works properly and as Florence says "YEAH finally a car that all the doors and wipers work"; plus cruise and AC and power locks n windows!!! So as soon as they purchase something then I'll be doing the switcherooie!!!
Then while chatting with Sylvia about the van she also gave me some more good news!!! WOW no wonder my insides have been jittery!!! Well she'd been for a checkup on her broken leg and was told it is finally healing and that she can now walk with that boot cast instead of hobbling with the walker or using the wheel chair. YEAH!!! So our fall quilting retreat will be a lot easier I hope for her to attend - OH YEAH she is definitely looking forward to it and has even been doing some quilting at home. Finally she's feeling better and definitely looking more healthy too!!! Now just to get Len on the road to better health and mobility!!!
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Lovely Day with Friends
Today started off as usual - another long brisk walk with Lexi and the because it was Saturday an hour's nap on the couch with Lexi on her pillow - pooped out as much as I was or maybe I was more!!! Then I did a quick run to the SuperStore and then home to get ready for my two friends over for stitchin n gabbin!!!
Florence and Dianne arrived around 2:00ish along with all their scrapbooking and quilting stuff and I had crackers n cheese n Brushetta mix along with Dianne's contribution of Costco's Artichoke n Spinach Hummus YUMMY!!! What I'll do with this huge dish I don't know but Bruce did not want to see it come home!!! LOL! Florence arrived with some of her cooking paraphenalia as she grilled steaks with mushrooms and onions and I tossed together potatoes onions carrots n zuchinni into a casserole and into the oven. We had wine and then finished off with a fruit salad and Florence's chocolate cupcakes - YUMMY!!! Our evening together ended with watching It's Complicated in the front room before Bruce arrived to take the girls home!
So there I was 9:30ish putting away the leftovers, filling the dishwasher and washing up the plastic and pots n pans with the help of another glass of wine (had to finish off the last bit in the bottle!) and now to check my emails before bed. Yep gotta get my rest as they are back again tomorrow for more stitchin n gabbin!!! At least Lexi was having a ball checking out what each of us were doing and Simba had a sympathetic lap to curl up on for a nap while Dianne iced her newly replaced knee! I'm not sure that Lexi wanted to leave for her evening walk but then just shook her head and out the door she went without coaxing!!!
Florence and Dianne arrived around 2:00ish along with all their scrapbooking and quilting stuff and I had crackers n cheese n Brushetta mix along with Dianne's contribution of Costco's Artichoke n Spinach Hummus YUMMY!!! What I'll do with this huge dish I don't know but Bruce did not want to see it come home!!! LOL! Florence arrived with some of her cooking paraphenalia as she grilled steaks with mushrooms and onions and I tossed together potatoes onions carrots n zuchinni into a casserole and into the oven. We had wine and then finished off with a fruit salad and Florence's chocolate cupcakes - YUMMY!!! Our evening together ended with watching It's Complicated in the front room before Bruce arrived to take the girls home!
So there I was 9:30ish putting away the leftovers, filling the dishwasher and washing up the plastic and pots n pans with the help of another glass of wine (had to finish off the last bit in the bottle!) and now to check my emails before bed. Yep gotta get my rest as they are back again tomorrow for more stitchin n gabbin!!! At least Lexi was having a ball checking out what each of us were doing and Simba had a sympathetic lap to curl up on for a nap while Dianne iced her newly replaced knee! I'm not sure that Lexi wanted to leave for her evening walk but then just shook her head and out the door she went without coaxing!!!
Monday, August 08, 2011
Lexi & Simba?
Yep that's the name of the two critters at my new house sitting stint for this month. Lexi is a sweet Australian cattle herding dog that just does not know what to do with herself as she's used to having FOUR family members to herd in and out of the house and now it's only me!!! Ohhh and she knows one speed for walks and even Florence commented the other night when she joined us - being pulled along briskly. LOL! Then there's Simba the cat who thinks he owns this house and can do whatever including batting my stitching and tatting off the tables!!! I took a couple of pictures but not good ones so will try and catch better ones soon.
Well it's been a week and we're all eating just fine and Lexi is getting in two good walks morning and evening - that is except today!!! We got out there and made it two blocks when it started to rain but not heavy so I continued but she did not like it. Oh well too bad! Hmmm like a good six blocks from home it started to POUR and she definitely was not happy with me and would not do her business either so there we were rushing for home - par for the course. Guess there's another walk before bed - hope it's not raining then - as she does not really use the back yard unless in desperation.
All I can say is I's getting my exercise with the dog walks and then the up and down the stairs looking after the cat's business too and the bedrooms on the second floor. Yep my knee does not care for this but I's hoping to lose those 10 pounds that came back on with reduced exercise because of the aching knee! AND this place comes with maid service every two weeks so I just have to keep it tidy and things off the floor and she looks after the cleaning!!! WOW eh!!!
Well it's been a week and we're all eating just fine and Lexi is getting in two good walks morning and evening - that is except today!!! We got out there and made it two blocks when it started to rain but not heavy so I continued but she did not like it. Oh well too bad! Hmmm like a good six blocks from home it started to POUR and she definitely was not happy with me and would not do her business either so there we were rushing for home - par for the course. Guess there's another walk before bed - hope it's not raining then - as she does not really use the back yard unless in desperation.
All I can say is I's getting my exercise with the dog walks and then the up and down the stairs looking after the cat's business too and the bedrooms on the second floor. Yep my knee does not care for this but I's hoping to lose those 10 pounds that came back on with reduced exercise because of the aching knee! AND this place comes with maid service every two weeks so I just have to keep it tidy and things off the floor and she looks after the cleaning!!! WOW eh!!!
Thursday, August 04, 2011
A New Toy!!!
Well not so new as it's bought from a friend but golly be it's new to me!!! And here I said I didn't want a laptop and now I have my own!!! Now it's just to get used to it!!! And once back in my apt it'll be wireless too so I'll be able to have it in the sewing room with me or just relax with it in my easy chair.
I can tell you right now while house sitting having my own laptop saves me the up and down to the basement computer area wear and tear on my knees and hips. See walking the dog twice a day is exercise enough and then looking after the cat's stuff in the basement and the the bedrooms on the second floor needless to say I's getting my exercise along with walking to and from the bus stop too!!!
Guess it'll come in handy too while at retreats??? Will have to experiment with that one!
I can tell you right now while house sitting having my own laptop saves me the up and down to the basement computer area wear and tear on my knees and hips. See walking the dog twice a day is exercise enough and then looking after the cat's stuff in the basement and the the bedrooms on the second floor needless to say I's getting my exercise along with walking to and from the bus stop too!!!
Guess it'll come in handy too while at retreats??? Will have to experiment with that one!
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Sew It Up - DYB
Yes in between the cleaning/purging I'm also trying to get some stitching done! It's not easy when I keep moving things, to find what I need but maybe when it's all arranged it'll be easier to find and work with!!!
So this is a "do your own blocks" round robin within the CQI group where six 6" blocks are stitched up by the owner, sent around and five other ladies works on one block and some have the 6th block as a "shared" block where all members work on it, then it comes home to the owner - all finished blocks.
I've chosen colours of fancies that I like along with three Singer sewing themed silkies (from Edith M) which I've been hoarding for some special project - well this is it!!! The other three blocks have various dragonflies as the accent patch. I decided I'll be tatting my favourite beaded trim to surround the Singer silkies before I send these blocks out to be embellished in the RR. When they come home I will be sewing the blocks together, then embellishing those seams for an overall effect and then somehow making this into a special sewing machine cover for my hopefully reorganized sewing room.
Another deadline to work towards (6 months down the road) - all cleaned up and usable sewing room!!!
So this is a "do your own blocks" round robin within the CQI group where six 6" blocks are stitched up by the owner, sent around and five other ladies works on one block and some have the 6th block as a "shared" block where all members work on it, then it comes home to the owner - all finished blocks.
I've chosen colours of fancies that I like along with three Singer sewing themed silkies (from Edith M) which I've been hoarding for some special project - well this is it!!! The other three blocks have various dragonflies as the accent patch. I decided I'll be tatting my favourite beaded trim to surround the Singer silkies before I send these blocks out to be embellished in the RR. When they come home I will be sewing the blocks together, then embellishing those seams for an overall effect and then somehow making this into a special sewing machine cover for my hopefully reorganized sewing room.
Another deadline to work towards (6 months down the road) - all cleaned up and usable sewing room!!!
I'm Pooped!!!
OK I'm pushing it on the final leg of clearing out outgrown, not wanted, not needed, not my thing anymore items out of my sewing room in order to unload the two items going out the door on Saturday and my antique folding table (gonna be my cutting table) into the room. I have two more drawers to unload and then it's to clear the hallways for easy mobility. Once this has been achieved I'm going to take a breather for a while and probably in that time frame I'll be picking up another shelving unit, this one from Linda as she too is purging/downsizing in preparation for her move into a condo. Then it'll be rearranging the furniture to fit and also flow for comfortable stitching days ahead!
I'm used to doing bits and pieces here and there with more down time than doing time so I can tell you this is killing me, but having the mouse problems, then moving and delivery deadlines I'm getting stuff done a lot faster! LOL!
I'm used to doing bits and pieces here and there with more down time than doing time so I can tell you this is killing me, but having the mouse problems, then moving and delivery deadlines I'm getting stuff done a lot faster! LOL!
Saturday, July 23, 2011
My Vintage Machine!
WOW what a surprise I received the other weekend! My friend Linda and Patrick are downsizing and moving into an upscaled condo due to Linda's health problems. Well I was luck to be gifted one of her vintage Singer sewing machines. Thank you so much my dear - I'll for sure treasure this machine! I took pictures right away but didn't get around to searching for the issue year etc or blogging until today.
So basically this one has very colourful decals (not the mother-of-pearl I had said it had - that was Linda's other machine) and with it's serial number I found out it was issued in 1924 from Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, Canada. YEAH for Canadian made!!!
I love this baby and once they have packed up I'll be buying her fabric shelving unit for my sewing room as you enter and once set up I'll be displaying this machine on top or maybe in the corner on my first Singer sewing machine cabinet.
So basically this one has very colourful decals (not the mother-of-pearl I had said it had - that was Linda's other machine) and with it's serial number I found out it was issued in 1924 from Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, Canada. YEAH for Canadian made!!!
I love this baby and once they have packed up I'll be buying her fabric shelving unit for my sewing room as you enter and once set up I'll be displaying this machine on top or maybe in the corner on my first Singer sewing machine cabinet.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Sylvia's On the Mend!!!
OMGG I can tell you all that my sister Sylvia is looking lots better, healthier and more energetic than she was this past year - OH YEAH lots better!!! I know her hubby said she was on the mend finally and whenever I talked to Sylvia on the phone she's sounded better and better and more like her normal self. But it's just not like seeing it with your own eyes!!!
Well both her and Len are in the city this week for Len's apt on his back and yep BOTH of them are looking lots better, Len probably because of the worry over Sylvia this past year or so and Sylvia because her hip and thyroid problems were finally diagnosed and fixed!!! Yes I had a lovely visit and BBQd supper over at Pat's last night and it was so AWESOME to see her actually eat a meal and enjoy it too!!!
Then this morning I took some earned OT off and had Sylvia to myself and took her shopping for whatever she wanted. Yes we took the wheelchair; as her above the ankle break (happened May 30th) is not healing as fast as the DR would like so no walking pressure on it as yet, and her newly replaced hip (March 28th) can't take hopping around on one foot (not that she could anyways!!!) and we basically stayed in Grant Park shopping mall. We even had coffee and muffins at Tims too!!!
Can you believe it, I did not buy anything at all, just helped her shop and thoroughly enjoyed myself. And when I took her back to Pat's she wasn't even exhausted, but thoroughly pleased with herself. OH YES, now I can't wait for some holiday time so I can go visit them and enjoy some sewing time with her and maybe even her friends too! AND I can tell you she's even done some quilting this past couple of weeks and is looking forward to our fall quilting retreat put on by Oma's Quilt Shoppe. YEAH!!!
Well both her and Len are in the city this week for Len's apt on his back and yep BOTH of them are looking lots better, Len probably because of the worry over Sylvia this past year or so and Sylvia because her hip and thyroid problems were finally diagnosed and fixed!!! Yes I had a lovely visit and BBQd supper over at Pat's last night and it was so AWESOME to see her actually eat a meal and enjoy it too!!!
Then this morning I took some earned OT off and had Sylvia to myself and took her shopping for whatever she wanted. Yes we took the wheelchair; as her above the ankle break (happened May 30th) is not healing as fast as the DR would like so no walking pressure on it as yet, and her newly replaced hip (March 28th) can't take hopping around on one foot (not that she could anyways!!!) and we basically stayed in Grant Park shopping mall. We even had coffee and muffins at Tims too!!!
Can you believe it, I did not buy anything at all, just helped her shop and thoroughly enjoyed myself. And when I took her back to Pat's she wasn't even exhausted, but thoroughly pleased with herself. OH YES, now I can't wait for some holiday time so I can go visit them and enjoy some sewing time with her and maybe even her friends too! AND I can tell you she's even done some quilting this past couple of weeks and is looking forward to our fall quilting retreat put on by Oma's Quilt Shoppe. YEAH!!!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
MISSING QUILTS - HAVE YOU SEEN ANY?
OMGG I just don't understand people. I grew up in a household with words of guidance such as "if shopping don't touch" "it's not your's so don't touch" and "be careful, just look"!!! What is it with this world and misplaced self worth or disrespect for other's property!!!
Anyways here is a site with many "Lost Quilts" from various venues, deliveries and or just stolen from homes. If you have a chance take a look, maybe you've seen this quilt somewhere and if not just having more and more "notices" out there of this site might help for some more missing quilts to be found and/or returned!
AND especially this quilt by Allison Aller "Crazy in the Garden" which I've seen "grow" from various blog entries and/or emails within various crazy quilting yahoo groups!
This is so sad and not fair!
Anyways here is a site with many "Lost Quilts" from various venues, deliveries and or just stolen from homes. If you have a chance take a look, maybe you've seen this quilt somewhere and if not just having more and more "notices" out there of this site might help for some more missing quilts to be found and/or returned!
AND especially this quilt by Allison Aller "Crazy in the Garden" which I've seen "grow" from various blog entries and/or emails within various crazy quilting yahoo groups!
This is so sad and not fair!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Tatted Edgings
The other day I recieved my new tatting book "Embellishing with Edgings" by Handy Hands and so far I LOVE it. Thank you Georgia for offering this book through the NSAN group buy! I've tried two edgings but not on hankys but as edgings/trims for my carzy patch quilt blocks.
No. 2 (hearts) is so lovely but I think it would be more awesome in a one colour for the whole trim. This I found to large for the item I wanted it for so am going to try reducing the number of chains on my next one. Will try and show the difference when completed.
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No. 2 (hearts) is so lovely but I think it would be more awesome in a one colour for the whole trim. This I found to large for the item I wanted it for so am going to try reducing the number of chains on my next one. Will try and show the difference when completed.
No. 13 was a little big but just fit in so I continued with it and I think I agree with my sister that sometimes varigated threads just detract from the design.
But I did this in the colours of the CQd block and it does look nice with the pearls stitched on afterwards.
So that's another CQd block done and this one is in record time - like 3 days after it was received!!! WOW!!! Definitely a FIRST for me! So it'll be in the mail earlier than necessary but with Canada Post's usual 2-week delivery to and from the USA for me I figure it's nice to give the next person within my RR a break.
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