Diet Monday..... or is it.....?!

I'm not sure but I think this diet Monday thing as taken the way side! Not that I've been diligent about doing a post, never mind the diet! lol

A few weeks ago I was fortunate enough to take two (2) longarming classes at Cowles Quilting with Sharon Schamber.

The Franklin County Quilter's Guild was hosting Sharon for a few days. I was also extremely fortunate to be able to attend Sharon's trunk show and actually got to touch and feel her quilts. I ended up helping Sharon that evening after our Friday class. She does amazing work, I mean the details!!!! She's also not afraid of passing her small pieces around. I came out of that meeting in awe of her work! Back to my class.

Sharon offered a wide array of classes, three (3) of which were for longarmers. They were hands on at Cowles. I took Feathers to die for on Friday and Monday was Filling the Spaces.

What's nice about Sharon's classes is that you are given a CD/video of the class. My learning continues after the class is done!

One of the most important piece of information I walked away with from these classes was, control of your machine. It might be obvious to some, but for me, it was like a light bulb had suddenly turned on.

She demonstrated her method for gaining control of her machine by using a piece of foam and weight, (hand made bag filled with rice). If you're interested in seeing how she controls her quilting machine, you can join her free area and view the various free videos.

Another important piece of information was this:

A drafting stool!

It makes custom work a lot easier!

I can gain control of my machine by leaning my forearms against the rollers. With that nifty Bitty Ruler I wrote about the other day, ditch work is so much fun!

I quilted the Women of Influence quilt sitting down the whole time. What a difference it made. I could actually quilt for longer stretches of time. We're talking pretty much until the wee hours of the morning. Many a nights, I went to bed at 2:00 a.m.

I cannot wait to finish hand sewing the binding so that I can blog about it.

Well, that's it for now. I need to get off this computer and write my lesson plan for tomorrow's class. I've been teaching a nine (9) part beginner's quilting class. It's quite the time consuming class, but fun! I'm enjoying it!

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great day! Cheers!

OMG... What's going on with time.....?

I cannot believe that my last post was October 24. I'm telling you, something strange is going on with time. It seemed only last week I posted a blog entry.....

You know how they say a picture is worth a thousand words, this is how I spent Tuesday working at the Shoppe. Need I say more?

I won't even begin to tell you how my day went. What a crazy day!

You see, I've done this two (2) different shoe thing before, many, many, many moons ago, but at least both shoes were black. A black and white shoe, this is a first!

Strangely, I didn't even notice until well into lunch time. I'm walking around as if everything was normal. I can just imagine what customers were thinking. Once I realized what was on my feet, I cracked up laughing! I'm sure I made a few people laugh too!

As for quilting, I've been plugging away at my Women of Influence quilt. I decided to use that quilt to work on my perfectionism. When it came to machine quilting with Penelope, it was difficult for me to let it go and just do it, but I think I'm managing.

I used to dread "in the ditch" work with Penelope. Anything that I wanted in the ditch or 1/4 inch away, I would use my domestic sewing machine. Vicki from Field Trips in Fiber suggested a nifty little ruler she uses.

Gosh, I'm in love!

It's called The Bitty ruler by Off the Edge Quilting.

I have to agree with Vicki, it's also become one of my favourite tools. I'm actually enjoying doing ditch work!

Last night, I spent some time with Penelope and noticed how much control I had on my machine. It's helping a lot in making machine quilting so much more relaxing for me.

I have so much more to tell you but I will end it here and save the rest for later. Hopefully I wont have a time management deficiency and remember to post in a timely manner.

Thank you for stopping by! Cheers!

My new designer wall......!

I broke down and bought one of those portable designer wall. My sewing room is so limited in wall space that a fixed designer wall was not a functional option. Of course, once we build an addition to the addition, I'll be able to claim DH's work space and will have plenty of wall space, but until then........!

I bought Cheryl Ann's Design Wall, it's portable and a Free Standing designer wall. It comes in three (3) sized: Portable 36" x 36, Mid-size Portable 54" x 54" and Full size 72" x 72.

I purchased the largest one, the full size, which you now see pictured.

It comes in a black sack that reminds me of a tent pouch! As a matter of fact, putting it together is pretty much like putting a tent up! lol So, be prepared to have things fall on you if you're putting it up solo! LOL

It's certainly not portable in the sense that you can move it as a unit. It's stable enough to hold your block but if you try to move it, it's really not sturdy. You would need two (2) people to move it, otherwise be prepared to have it fall apart. Ask me how I know? lol

I've place some huge blocks on it. It's from my Women of Influence quilt. These blocks are 24" x 24" and the flannel is barely gripping the blocks. I had to hold the frame as I press the blocks unto the flannel. These blocks are huge and heavy as they include the sashing, however with normal size blocks, I would think it wouldn't be an issue.

To help stabilize the unit, I tied the two back poles together in the center. It really helped and kept it from falling apart as I placed the support bars.

I used selvage in this case. I keep strips in a ball and use in in our garden to stabilize tall plants. In this case, it worked for the wall! ;o)

Word of advise, wipe your bars with a rag before assembling the unit. They were filthy, probably some residue from the black paint/product used on the bars. I was thankful I noticed it before putting it together. I could just imagine how dirty the white flannel would look!

I'm pleased with this designer wall and would certainly recommend it to anyone who doesn't have wall space. However, I find the price a tad steep. I mean, I could buy a nice tent for five (5) people on Amazon for close to the same price! lol Perhaps, that's not a fair comparison!

Thanks for stopping by! Cheers!

Friken fraken $()%*)#(*#($*%#*( ........!

Remember Old Samity Sam?! Perhaps I'm dating myself but......

I have been patient, extremely patient but now it's just too much! What you might ask? Well.....

Did I ever mention that I have Sprites in my home? YES, I do!!!! Oh.... and they have been busy! Let me tell you.....

For the past couple of months, I have been unable to locate my favourite thimble. You know, the thimble I've had since I begin quilting, made of gold and silver. My special one! If that wasn't enough, pieces from my thread attachment are still missing. Seam rippers have disappeared..... Yes, it's been a nightmare in my home and now...... I cannot seem to find the yardage I washed for the Women of Influence BOM!

I'm at a loss! Perhaps Yulelads from Iceland have invaded my home. They found it more lucrative to take quilting items as opposed to sausages and candles! lol

If anyone knows where my special thimble is or anything else, please let me know!

On the quilting front, I have completed a wall hanging.

This is Liberty Eagle, a pattern from Jo Morton.

The Shoppe received the Bonnie Blue America line by Marcus Brothers and I just had to make this quilt!

Aside from pulling my hair and cleaning my sewing room in the hopes of finding my things, not much has been going on!

The weather in September has just been gorgeous, which is nice given that we really didn't have a summer. The leaves have started to turn their autumn shades! It's beautiful!

Thanks for stopping by! Don't forget to let me know if you find my thimble and other things! Cheers!

Are you ready....?!?! I've been busy....!

Gosh, did I ever accomplish a lot this past week. Not only have I been productive on the quilting front, but I also took pictures.

You know, for a while there I had a glimpse of what it must feel like to be Darlene from Quilting Daze. LOL ;o) She is sooooo productive, it's amazing the quilts she accomplishes.

So.... are you ready.... here goes!

Block 2 - Attributed to Amelia Jenks Bloomer (1818-1894)



Block 3 - Mary Church Terrell (1863-1954)



Block 4 - Julia Ward Howe (1819-1910)



Block 5 - Jane Addams (1860- )



Block 6 - Elizabeth Cady Stanton (1815-1902)



Block 7 - Sojourner Truth (1797-1883)



Block 8 - Lucretia Mott (1793- )



Block 9 - Frances Perkins (1880 - )



Block 10 - Fanny Jackson Coppin (1837 - 1913)



Block 11 - Susan B. Anthony ((1820 - 1906)



I finished machine appliqueing the last one Wednesday evening.

As for block 12, I'm waiting to hear from Kansas City Star. Seems there are 2 (two) fabrics that are not used in the quilt and I'm wondering where they go. Perhaps they belong to block 12.

So, I put the blocks away! I do need a break, and am now working on another project. I have a need to do a quick project in between long ones, other wise I get bored with it. Do any of you feel the need to break in between large projects? I'm just curious!

Thanks for stopping by! Cheers!

Way too long....!

I just cannot believe that I haven't blogged in more than a month! Time just seems to fly by! It's not like I have nothing to blog about, its more that I forget about the lapse of time between posts.

The summer sort of forgot to show up! I don't know how it's been in your neck of the woods, but here in Upstate New York, it's been a wet season! For a time there I thought Stephen would be building an ark! ;o)

The Shoppe keeps me out of trouble. ;o) I'm enjoying quilting samples for the Shoppe. I made a vow to myself that I would only make quilts for the Shoppe that I want to make. That's been my promise to myself, only buy fabrics that inspire me and make quilts that I would love to own myself. You'd think that would narrow down the pattern choices, but there are so many delicious quilt patterns out there. Let's just say, my heart keeps me busy! ;o)

So.... Yes, I've been a busy bee. I've completed many projects and neglect to blog about it. Sigh! My Coney Island is now a flimsy and I'm hoping to load it on Penelope and have it machine quilted before I show it to you. It really turned out gorgeous.

My newest project.... Women of Influence, designed by Sarah Maxwell and Dolores Smith.

It is a block of the month that the Shoppe will be offering in September. It's a gorgeous quilt!

This is the first block and it is in honour of Lucy Stone.

I had to rework the whole quilt on EQ6 as the rotary cutting instruction are rounded to the nearest 1/8 and technically, it really should be rounded to the nearest 1/16 for rotary cutting accuracy! I'm anal that way, what can I say?!?! lol

There are templates to use, but since I'm not much of a template user, I opted to re-work it. It is such a gorgeous quilt!

I've been keeping up on blog land, more as the invisible woman! lol Lot's of talented quilters! Thanks for stopping by! Cheers!

Happy belated 4th of July.....!

I do hope you have all had a wonderful July 4th celebration!

I really had every intention of writing a post for July 4th. But....... other things came in the way.

You know, it's not like I have no quitly projects to tell you about.... I really cannot figure out why I don't seem to write post as often as I used too. Sigh!

Well, for one thing, I keep forgetting to take a picture of the quilt tops I've completed. However, for this one, I especially made a trip back to the shop to take a picture. I just thought it was such a cute festive quilt.

Tah dah.....

This is a pattern by Briarwood Cottage and is part of their monthly Pocket pattern series. They have the cutest little patterns to make!

I'm sure you can guess which month this is! ;o)

This one was done in less than a day! I think it took me longer to machine quilt it then to piece it! I ended up machine quilting in the ditch!

I did finish Coney Island by Fig Tree, but I'll keep that for another post! ;o )

Thanks for stopping by!

It's going all too quickly.....!

Stop the World, I Want to Get Off.....

Busy, busy, busy is what it has been for me. Non stop, going and going..... I can hardly catch my breath!

Last Sunday was my convocation. I'm glad I went, it was absolutely a wonderful ceremony marking the closure of a chapter in my life! We were ushered in by a bag piper! I just love the sound of bag pipes. The ceremony lasted over 2 (two) hours. Afterwards, we went to my mums for a BBQ.

The following Tuesday we all left for Camp Overlook! Yep, both Stephen and I were chaperons for a school outing that lasted till Friday! We called it our family vacation at tax payers' expense! lol We all had a great time.

Saturday, it was back at work for me! I love my new job as a Shoppe owner, so it wasn't too painful! ;o)

Despite the busy schedule, I did manage to do a tad of quilting this weekend.

If your recall, back in September 2008, while on a bus tour with my guild, I bought a kit in Pennsylvania!

The kit consisted of these delicious fabrics.

Well......

Some of those fabrics have been cut into pieces and sewn back together to become......

Voila!

All 30 blocks are done for my Coney Island quilt, a pattern by Fig Tree Quilts.

What a tedious block that was! So many pieces...... 29 per block to be exact! ;~ o Reminds me of the Corn and Bean quilt I made many moons ago.

Nonetheless, they are done! I do want to point out that the fabric used on the top cone was a gift from Leigh, an Aussie, who sadly no longer blogs.

Gosh, I think she sent that to me almost 4 (four) years ago. I've been saving it for a special quilt! Looks great as a cone. I still have a small piece left to use in another project! Thanks again Leigh for the fun mail.

Thank you for stopping by!

Diet Monday ... Humbug...!

Not much to report on the diet front expect that I'm failing dramatically! It's a good thing that Sharon is busy! ;o)

I met my friend Judy for lunch today.

Meet Judy! Judy, meet my blogging friends!

My gosh, I think we've known each other for over 25 years! Is it possible?

We met at the Toronto Dominion Bank , Downtown Montreal. We've been friends every since.

Judy and I played catch-up with our lives today. Amazing how time flies. Judy has been busy as a working mom and now has 3 (three) beautiful girls. Hum..... which reminds me, I'm behind by 2 (two) quilts! Geeez, I've got to get busy here! She's presently on maternity leave!

When Judy was single, we'd take off for a weekend in Kennybunkport, Maine at least once a year. What a great time we had. We would always go to this restaurant, which served fresh lobster stuffed with fresh scallops. Yum, yum.... And guess what, we were talking about doing that this year?

It's been a long time since I've been away with Judy - more then 6 (six) years. We were discussing how it would be fun to get away for a weekend! I'm in!!!

Oops, I did forget to mention that to Stephen. Good thing he reads my blog! lol So Sweetie, we're looking for around October. Just girls! ;o)

Aside from the quilting retreat, do you ever go away for a weekend of fun with your friends? Just curious!

Anyway, I had a great time. I did bring my camera, as you can see, but I forgot to take pictures of the food. Well, I did remember but by then it was all gone! Gosh Sharon, I don't know how you do it!

Thanks for stopping by! Cheers!

It's been way toooooo lonnnnng.....!

Life continues to be busy. I must admit, I love my work schedule. Five (5) days on (with a 2 (two) day break in there) and seven (7) days off! Couldn't ask for a better work week!

What have I been up too you might ask? Lots of quilting that's for sure. I did play some more on Penelope, practicing my feathers. They're coming along nicely! Not ready to put them on a quilt yet... soon with more practice.

I did finish a top that's presently on Penelope. I used some reproduction fabrics! I want to have it machine quilted before I blog about it. I'm presently waiting for some thread! That order should get here in a couple of days!

I did finish block 9 (nine) of Hocuspocous Ville! I love that pattern.

Meg from Crabapple Hill did come out with a new Halloween pattern called Vintage Trick or Treat. That's another one on my list of to dos! I love her work!

So many patterns so little time! ;o)

A couple of weeks ago, Libby and I were corresponding regarding our Kitchenaid mixer. We both love our friend. ;o)

We were talking/writing about making pasta. I was telling her about the special adapter that attaches to the mixer. Anyway, by the end of our discussion, I knew what I wanted for dinner!

I had to make some pasta! LOL

I just love fresh pasta and this special gadget makes it so much easier. Both hands are free to play with the dough.

I make my pasta dough using semolina flour that I purchase in Montreal. Nothing like that around small town USA. You can make it with flour, but I prefer to use semolina.

I knead my dough using setting 1 and then 2.

After I feel it is properly kneaded, I go through the various numerical settings to thin it out.

Once the dough is thin enough for my liking, in this case number 5, I pass it through the fettuccine cutter.

(PS. the dough should be extended as it goes through the cutter - I needed to get my hand out of the way for the picture and quickly extend the dough before it passed through). We're talking action shot! lol

There's also a spaghetti noodle adapter that comes with the set.

That night, you guessed it, we were having Fettuccine Alfredo! Yummy!

That was dinner!

Fresh pasta, fresh artisan whole grain loaf and a glass of red wine!

Yes, I took the time to bake a loaf of bread. Libby gave me the bug! There was a time, prior to my going to graduate school, that I would often make bread. I fell out of the habit! Now, I'm back on the habit! lol

Cheers!

Thanks for stopping by!