Getting Some Stability Back In My Life

Lots of sewing lately and I feel like some sewing posts, so prepare yourselves. I suggest a hot drink with a candy cane stir stick. The candy softens nicely for chewing and the drink seems happier too.

I've had these embroideries from Embroidery Library (Christmas Boutique) for some time and they seemed like the classic sort of thing I might like for me. So I made me 4 new cushion covers. I like the idea of redressing the couch cushions from time to time. No one likes to wear the same thing every day.

I have A LOT of a raw linen that I used for the family room curtains. It's a huge bolt I got for nothing at an auction. Perfect for these cushions. I've been right into embroidery lately, but lower stitch count and lighter cloth. Time to experiment and figure some things out!

What stabilizer to use? It's a cushion, so let's err on the side of caution and go with a cut away that gets left in. It won't show and the stitch count is high (80,000+).

First I went with a semi fusible mesh.  You fuse it but it peals back off for trimming. I hooped a light tear-a-way and then basted (in embroidery mode) the fused fabric to that.

The linen has some good beefiness and I noticed that the embroidery foot was actually 'massaging' it as it stitched. Fabric got pushed around. Between that and the high stitch count I had some rumples. I had seen this before when stitching on knits, and had used a wash-a-way topper with some success. This might have helped the foot to glide better over the heavy texture. Raising the pressure foot pressure might have been an idea, but I didn't go either route (this time).

Now because the linen presses and steams so well I was not worried as I figured it would press out. (It did.)

But I had 4 cushions and room to experiment. Next I tried Whisper Web mesh and a light tear-a-way. This basically gave me the same result. Time to rethink, methinks! Cushions 3 and 4 got heavier tear-a-way and a stitch point cut away. Lots of oomphy stabilizers! Better results but still a bit of rumpling. Barely noticeable however and probably hard to avoid when you have heavily stitched areas surrounded by open fabric.

Next let's assemble the little darlings. The last thing I need right now is another UFO.

  

   

Playing Chess With Thread Spools

Big embroideries are easy to do until you are lulled into an air of complacency by the mindlessness of thread changes and bobbin refills. Just as everything is going oh so well, you forget what thread comes next.

Well, you don't forget so much as lose track of the substitutions you made, because no one in real life has all those colours in the one brand listed by the embroidery company. No One! Plus, who embroiders only when the shop (preferably located next door) is open and having a really big sale. We buy when we can. We make do when we can't.

I have threads from 3 big companies and a few orphans that looked cute at the time. I hate comparing thread charts and just exactly what is one to do when even the thread conversion programs can do some but not all of your needs? I eyeball the computer screen and throw caution to the winds. My colour choices are therefore not great but there's only so much tedious stuff this girl wants in her life.

So I finally got around to making a draft version of a thread red carpet. It worked fairly well so I may have to design and produce a more formal one in the new year. I pulled up the list of threads required for a cushion embroidery (15) and the thread change chart (28). It's not enough that I have to make substitutions but the substituted thread then has to reappear at the right time. I needed a mindless way to make that happen.

I took an old cutting board and flipped it over. I used a 2" grid and created a board of about 30 little boxes - numbered sequentially. Then as I decided which of the threads I do have was to make an appearance I placed them on their numbered grid. You are left with lots of unfilled boxes where threads need to make an encore performance. As I embroidered and finished with a thread I checked for its next position and placed it on the correct grid box or in the holding area for the next embroidery. You can see below that thread 1 is on the machine and that many of the first 12 threads will make a second appearance on the grid after they finish their first round.

Now the thread in my hand did not (ever!) match the thread colour listed. I just referred to the colour number for that round and looked for the same colour number in a future position. I have to say it actually worked. Also, as all my colours were on the board together before I began I could note any glaring colour issues - like a green that just didn't look like it would get along with the other colours on the board.

I did not anticipate the attraction of this tool as a cat toy. You may want to take precautions. It can be devastating.

A Sewing Mystery

Yesterday we bought a family year long pass to the provincial museums. Great deal, and we plan to do lots of day trips to check them all out. Today we went to the Fundy Geological Museum in Parrsboro. We took a guided tour of Wasson's Bluff dinosaur digs. There were 3 of us and 2 guides. It was a lovely day at the beach with lots of attention and information.

Pleasant drive interrupted by a stop at the Masstown Market for snack and a fruitful visit to the antique shops in Great Village. Wow! have they ever tidied those up and the displays are lovely. Well worth a visit. I saw several sewing machines and picked up this little mystery. It has few identifying markings to my eye. There are a few scratchings on the face plate. It's missing its shuttle and bobbin (I think). I usually prefer to buy only machines I have a hope of using but this one was really new to me and that makes it interesting, eh? If anyone can help me figure this one out I would greatly appreciate the help. Maybe that says The Lockman? 1860? But I don't see markings anywhere else.

We have cats. 2 lovely Bengal cats arrived in November and have been training us ever sense.  Currently we bough Princess Leia a new toy, so I took this opportunity to wash her current arsenal of fetching mice. The girl fetches! With enthusiasm!

They have been and continue to be intensive. They were around a year old when we got them. She was 8 months, had just weaned her first litter and was pregnant with her second. Didn't know about the pregnancy, That popped up when we had them both fixed. She was just started, so I think it worked out well in the end. She had also been sleeping with her brother. Neither of them knew, and we haven't told them. So embarrassing! And not their fault. Some people are not cat worthy.

They had been living in a small apartment with 2 pieces of furniture and high, small windows with no ledges. Therefore they fell down the stairs for the first few days and were amazed by space. We have space.

The first few months saw a lot of bloodletting and skin exfoliation. Bengals are very physical cats with fierce independence and a need to burn off energy. They were not in the least social. As we told visitors - 'They bite, and they scratch. With intention."

So why are they still here? They are the most lovely, entertaining and dedicated cats ever! We do nothing in the house without close, constant supervision. Ollie can unpin my sewing faster than I can, and he is so proud! He distributes sewing notions about the house and has been seen carefully depositing them in my handbag or DH's lunchbag. They chase anything, especially flies. They talk, they indicate their needs with 1 small claw carefully placed on your calf, they now cuddle and will endure being picked up for at least 20 seconds. Sometimes. They are smarter than any cats I've ever know, and I've know some really great felines. We are truly in love with these cats.

Now Ollie was quite aggressive and active when we got him. Dh researched cat wheels and tried to order one, but they were badly backordered. He had to tackle the chore himself and accomplished the task in amazing fashion! We were worried about Ollie knowing what to do. DH brough it in the house and Ollie hopped on before it was in place or installed. Now the lap counter tells us how much he loves it and he has calmed so much. He has a need to be admired when loping along and gets off the wheel for pats regularly. Also, like a 2 year old he watches us closely to see if we are watching.

Here they are, about to jump each other again. I had to make a think bedspread so we have some protection at night. Now that they have learned to cuddle they will crawl under this and then attach any moving toe they find. Life is more complicated now.

Irene Gets a Table

Just got back from a family wedding in Fort Myers, Florida. Always interesting to put family together in the same condo. We had a great time, and the wedding was beautiful! My nephew is such a sweet guy and he's found his princess, so all is well.

Fort Myers has a lot of damage from the hurricane, but they seem to be putting it back together with a positive spirit. We went to a Tampa/Detroit hockey game. Excellent! Saw some museum stuff and help a cute alligator named Marshmallow. Had quite an adventure on the return flight. I had to bring back my running career in the TO airport to get from one flight to another. West Jet handled it well in the end. I appreciate that, but someone somewhere dropped a few balls to put us in the crazy position we were in. I think my BIL is now on a terrorist list. That's not something I saw coming.

I have had my new Pfaff icon (Irene) for a few weeks and it has been an emotional experience! I love it. Pure, simple love. I spent 2 days just pushing buttons. I didn't even thread it. It is so easy to use, can do so much and has everything I could imagine. It uses texting to keep me up to date on what it's doing. It is wifi connected, updates itself and transfers designs with wifi. And it truly threads the needle all by itself. Hands free! When you have 25+ thread changes on an embroidery, that makes a difference.

But it's my DH who has really made this experience a little more emotional that needed. I tore apart my sewing room and spare bedroom (other fabric storage room). There are stacks all over the house. I want my sewing space to be laid out right. At one point he could not go to bed without crawling in from my side. His reaction was to insist I get it right and take all the time I need. Wow, eh? It's still a mess, but coming into shape. Wonder how far I can stretch his patience?

We bought a table for the icon yesterday at Ikea. I had checked out the possibilities and took DH along for the final decision. Good thing. I had a height for the table in mind. We found lots of good possibilities in the desk area but also discovered desks that go up or down for the new standing desks. There was one possibility with a lovely crank to raise and lower the desk from 27" to well up in the air. It was just a bit too tall with the machine sitting on top. We went with a hydraulic lift table that starts down at 22". Amazing! I can adjust that baby to exactly the right position with one finger. I do like to embroider standing up. Not I can do it without stressing my back, and that has been a problem. DH also picked me up a perfect chair that cuddles my back and lets my feet hit the floor. I am feeling so spoiled by this sewing room and its support staff. Why did I need him for this? Because like most women I know I can't spend money on myself without trying to economize and 'make do'. It's good to have someone take you through the criteria without allowing economic digression. Sometimes it just makes sense to do things right.

I haven't been including pictures in this blog for some time. My dear iPhone Lucille is now about 8 years old and increasingly she cannot provide the latest apps or handle pics when needed. She couldn't do the West Jet app. She couldn't get me parking in Florida and had trouble with maps. Now there is a sewing app she can't handle. I am devastated, but she may be on her way to retirement. I will inquire this week about an upgrade. I do not understand why a perfectly good phone has been forced into retirement, but the writing is on the wall.

Everyone is Partying!

I had 2 female and 1 male birds walk through the yard later. They looked so scraggly I emailed a picture to my BIL for identification. He (the former hunter) didn't recognize them either. Well they were back today. Now that they have recovered from whatever party that was, they are actually pheasants. Truly unrecognizable the other day! Feathers in every direction, zombie walk - bizarre looking birds.

I have a cantaloupe in the garden! It was hidden under the strawberry plants, so as you can imagine it's not all that big. However I have it nicely sunbathing on a dry bed of leaves now, and I plan to cover it with a little blanket tonight. This is an event!

Have you been to Superstore lately? I pull up to the milk fridge, open the door and I hear mooing in the background. At first I thought it was the guy reloading the shelves, but after 3 more door checks I realized it wasn't him - it was cued by the door opening. I have to point this out to the woman down the aisle. We giggle. Along comes another woman who sends us to the egg fridge to hear the chickens clucking. How absolutely wonderful!

Pfaff Creative Sensation Pro 2

This post is about a sewing machine I am selling. Forward to anyone who might be interested. Trash it if you aren't. Thanks!

I am selling my 1 year old Pfaff Creative Sensation Pro 2. When I bought it I knew that a newer model would be coming out this October and that it would probably be just my cup of tea. Indeed it is, and I want to upgrade. I am perfectly happy with this machine, but I am in a position I won't always have to take advantage of the new machine.

I also took better than average care of this machine, as I knew I would probably want to sell it. I work at a Pfaff dealership and have access to people who really know what they are doing. This is one pampered machine.

Before you take ownership I will have the machine cleaned and tuned up professionally (value of $125). I will either give you lessons myself or provide lessons at the dealership. Your choice. Lessons usually involve two 3 hour sessions, but the dealership is always open to any questions or problems that come up.

I have a number of extra items to include with the machine, which came well equipped in the first place.

I have a Sew Steady extension table (value of $120.00). It is made for this model and slides in place to provide a flat, supportive surface.

I have a roller case for the machine (value of $300.00). It handles well and the Embroidery case will fit over the handles to make them a single pull.

The new machine has different bobbins (don't they always) so I am throwing in a LOT of extra bobbins. Threaded or not - your choice!

One treat I won't mention here, but will discuss with serious enquiries only. Huge advantage to the new buyer!

I have 69 hours registered on the machine at this time (no, I will not stop using it while you think things over!)

Here on the Pfaff site you can check out this machine. Some of the things that I find appeal to me would be:

• cutwork needles included (yes, you can embroider a hole!)
• over 700 stitches - love the ones that stitch sideways! Love the ribbon stitches! Love the ability to keep favs in memory just the way you like them, love the ability to alter or even create new stitches with Stitch Creator
• Best buttonhole I've ever used. The foot plugs in and there is a huge variety of perfectly balanced buttonholes to chose from.
• Straight stitch and zigzag plate included
• 3 hoops that cover pretty well any job you need done. There are specialty hoops available, but you have what you need.
• 9 mm wide stitches  - why yes, I did say 9, and then it will even go further -sideways! This gives you about 30 needle positions. Snuggle up to that seam exactly where you want.
• IDT Which is why I am Pfaff girl. That built in walking foot is so nice! If I forget to pop it back on after embroidery I notice right away. It makes your fabric feed so much more smoothly and all layers travel together over the feed dogs. No drag.
• Top of the line embroidery. Fast, accurate, a thread system that handles any thread beautifully! You get the best sewing machine Pfaff has made with a better thread delivery system because of the embroidery capability. 

Take a look. Contact me through comments below if you want more information. 

Shopping With a Non Sewer

Now I've seen proof that Karl Lagerfeld has a sense of humour. I went to The Bay yesterday to help a SIL confirm a dress choice. It was going to need some alterations and therefore my approval. As we walk through the store they have a section for Karl Lagerfeld designs. Out front is a cute rip off of a Chanel jacket. Does it count when a designer rips off his own designs? Now Coco would say that such behaviour is wonderfully reassuring, but I thought it was just funny.

She did get a great dress, and the shoes and clutch are like icing on the cake. The shoulders are out of whack and need something. Not sure what. They seem to be in a constant state of 'shrug'. Hopefully it won't be a difficult fix.

Now this was an expensive dress (now about 75% off). For those of us who sew, and love fine fabrics and great sewing techniques - it was hard to look at the racks. The overly exuberant sales woman was most keen to get me a dress too.  There was no way anything in that place was going to fit me. Well, maybe a cute loose fitting sweater I saw. Where does someone 5' tall with normal shoulders (for that height), a G/H cup size and hips that match my belly shop?

Pup tents, aisle 3!

A proper fit for me is not going to happen in a chain store.

So I really need some new clothes for the next family wedding at the end of October. I best get at it. I will also be packing a sewing kit with thread in the bridal colours. The last wedding saw me take in the bride's dress between ceremony and reception! It's not good when the bride's skirt falls down.

I wanted to stop the ceremony and get that done, but there seems to be a time and a place. She had a perfect attitude about it all. Look! I really did lose weight!

Namaste Everyone

Where have I been?

I don't know. Just here and there.

The garden overflows. I got cherry tomatoes everywhere! The pressure is on, however to produce several good size squash as awards for the October car rally. I did this a few years ago and it was well worth the fuss. I have a few contenders.

I have a niece and then a nephew getting married over the next month or two. One of the weddings will be in Fort Myers - currently being destroyed by Hurricane Erma. They have 6 weeks to get cleaned up. I have 6 weeks to make and fit into a new dress. Should be the same sort of work involved.

However I only have 2 weeks before the niece gets hitched. That outfit needs to get a move on. The sewing room is in a terrible state of disarray, so I need to clean off some space and get to it. Better idea. Can I come and sew in your sewing room?

And what do you get the young couples of today? They already have their homes set up. Both have limited space, so the gift needs to be thoughtful and designed to fit into their carefully orchestrated lives. Money would probably work, but it seems so cold and rather ho hum. I'd always rather make something, but I want them to like the 'whatever', and that puts pressure on me to get it right. I hate pressure. I prefer to make stuff and then offer a choice of gift - or not. Then both giver and receiver have no pressure and much more fun. I make a basket of gifts for events and let those who would like to pull one out. Maybe I need a basket of wedding gifts. There are 13 nieces and nephews. Hmmm....

I am trying yoga this fall. I did not know the warrior had so many positions! Happy baby pose was also completely new to me. The class is great so far but full of these radicals who want to start a petition for a change of room. Something about not being able to breathe. I'm just keeping my mat in the corner and ignoring the crazy people. I have hips that won't move and a butt that needs firming. Namaste.

Sewers! Felting is the new thing. Melding and joining fabrics, embellishing, painting with wool - I am intrigued with the possibilities and I have a huge stack of wool waiting for some excitement in its life. I have an embroidery machine that will felt and a stand alone felting machine. I haven't used either. I want to take care of that problem very very soon. Perhaps a coat? Scarves? Bags? Cushions? Actually cushions might be a good way to start. I feel a basket of christmas gifts coming on?

Christmas. Well yes, I guess fall is here after all.

Women's Hockey Grows Up

I watched the Canadian women's hockey team lose to Finland last night at the world championships. It was a tight game but Finland took them down. It's the first time they have ever lost to anyone other than the USA at a world level competition.

I couldn't be more proud.

Our women have brought international women's hockey to a level where it's not just 2 teams anymore. They raised the golden bar. It took decades of hard work and setting an example for others to aspire to. Finally other women are able to stand toe to toe with them. And I hope those Finnish women remember to say thank you. They could have never reached this level without those Canadian women setting a blazing example for them.

Now, I should say thank you to the USA team. But I don't like them. However they just set an amazing precedent in the USA by demanding and getting a reasonable pay level. So, yah ladies for that!

Things learned in the sewing room this week.

• When your thread and fabric keep catching on the needle (yes, that's a thing) switch to a single hole faceplate. Big improvement!
• Those funny felt circles that came with your machine will keep your thread from spinning too fast when you use a vertical spool pin. I have wondered for 40 years what those things are for!
• There is a thread cutter up by my bobbin winder! Who knew?
• Patterns sized for a D cup are a step in the right direction for me, but not the last step.
• This monthly calendar of projects started and finished is really helpful for me. I forget what I have done and it feels great to see I did get something finished.
• I can move decorative stitches to the left and right as well as flip them over in both directions. This is a whole new world!
• I found a use for the double ribbon stitches on my machine. I had little hope for them as they seemed impossibly frivolous, but I did find the perfect use and learned how to execute them in a straight line to boot! (details some day soon)
• Reading the machine manual leads to good things.
• The #3 foot (blind hem) is amazing! It makes an amazing edge stitch and should be used more!
• I really do need to clean up more often.

I might need a new phone. It is at least 8 years old. Pictures are not as easy to manage as they were, and it needed to be rebooted to recognize its SIM card sometimes. So, if you want pictures send me money. Go Fund Me!

Just kidding. 

Hot Air Travels

It has been a seriously long time since my last post. My apologies. I have been thinking about why the drought, but I don't have an answer.

Perhaps this may be of help. Last week I donated $2 at the grocery store towards their charity and got a helium balloon for my troubles. I took it home and let it hold my page in the current book for a few days. It had a clothespin for just this purpose.

So DH and I are sitting around this weekend, watching the balloon, when we remove the clothespin. It had been getting saggy. Next we attached a few bits of Kleenex to get the buoyancy just right, to drift just at ceiling height.

So, over the weekend our balloon made several circuits of the new kitchen island, ducked through doorways, travelled up and downstairs and showed a remarkable preference for the laundry room. We rarely touched it, other than to mess with the tissues or rescue it from the crawlspace behind the furnace. I can plot the air flow from almost anywhere in the house now.

Don't knock it till you try it. Just saying.

However, doesn't this just speak to a lack of exciting events around here?

Open For Dinner Invitations

Sophie the swimsuit is in a drawer. She is having a little time out to think about what size underwire she might like, and why the cups are too big.

Yes, I said too big.

We are renovating our kitchen. It looked like this as I came down here to post, and I hear plaster smashing as I tap away.

I think the beam between the kitchen and family room is biting the dust at this moment. It has a sag, brought on by it's inadequate size. Size matters when it comes to beams. We will be going bigger.

This all started when I wanted to paint the cabinets. They were mid tone oak. I was tired of that. However, this means removing the cabinets and sending them out to be painted. (Have you priced that lately!!!!!) Of course, a new countertop would set off the paint job nicely, and let's get a backsplash while we're at it. Repaint the walls - oh, let's do the whole house. It looks old.

So, what happened to the walls? Well, why not throw in a little insulation, check the wiring and reroute the heating ducts? No, the flooring will not match the new decor, so it's going and will be resurrected in slate with underfloor heating.

My man's imagination knows no bounds. At least this sort of thing keeps him out of trouble. He is happiest when holding tools and being professional. True to form he kept the dishwasher hooked up and running. Certain creature comforts cannot be abandoned! However, you do need 3 hands to do the dishes. One for the dish, one for the rack and one to keep the whole thing from falling flat on its face. They tip easily, apparently, when not hooked up under a counter.

I try to be helpful. I tote, fetch and admire. It's what I do best. We eat a lot of toast.

I shall be hiding out in the sewing room. I just finished a quilt. I pieced the top on my 1893 Singer treadle and quilted it on my 2016 Pfaff Creative Sensation Pro 2. It doesn't get any better than that! I really do need to measure and work to a plan. My quilts are often a bit strangely shaped. This one is too long and too narrow - and I cut some off as it was! I just get carried away, and the math takes time and makes my head hurt. This is the Lotus pattern from Jaybird quilts. I'm betting that reading the instructions more carefully might have helped with the finished size. The pattern uses the Hex n More ruler. I do like a nice hexy. I was a bit worried about dealing with a lot of bias edges, but they worked out just fine.

Sophie and I Make Out

The duck pack is now huge! It's hard to tell which one is mom! Discovered the neighbours all feed the duck pack and none knew about the others. At least they seem to be getting all the food groups covered, from the reports I hear.

Momma deer and tiny fawn have not been seen in a while.  However her last year's child is still stomping through my garden and chewing on everything in sight! S/he will not leave until physically threatened (seems I'm not enough, DH must be called). You should hear the haughty snorts of derision as it finally leaps off, flagging its white fluffy tail!

But I am avoiding the topic at hand. I am building myself a swimsuit. The annual girls week in Montreal approaches, and I need a suit. Closet Case Files just released Sophie and I liked the look. It has a very fitted bra style top. It could be great for me, or not - but well worth a try.

I've also got her jeans pattern, but haven't tried it yet. She seems to get good reviews though. First to impress me was the cheat lines so nicely in place for me! You print off your size according to your bust and she has nested the lower part of the pattern with 3 sizes up and down in light grey lines. You have your size and all the alterations right there! This alone is worth the price of admission! Practical genius at work!

Things would have been just swimmy if I had bothered to read the Big Bold Red Print. I printed out the size based on my upper bust, as I usually do. She bases the size on your under bust measurements and then a cup size factor. Yah! I got to go down a few sizes! And I got to practice my gluing. Always need more practice with that.

She includes 5 cup sizes and I was most hopeful for cup size 5, even though the measurements she gives are not in my range. My cup spillith well over that, methinks. Me right. She helpfully suggested making a foam muslin from the foam inner cup pattern. I did and well, brilliant idea. Saved me a lot of tears later. She may need to expand beyond 5 cup sizes. This Sophie was not going to fit left to its own devices!

However, this foam muslin idea led to plan B. I made up a foam cup from my fav bra pattern and them cut it apart in the same lines as the Sophie pattern indicated. This gave me new pattern pieces for the cups, but not the suit that they needed to connect to.

This is why a girl needs toys. I have a flexible ruler (it's wiggly and can be used in interesting ways) so I measured the new cups along the bottom edge from centre seam to side and centre, curved the ruler along the original seam lines of the cup cradles built into the suit and just dipped the line until it would contain the beasts. I was surprised at how little fabric need to be removed to add the seam length I needed.

And that is where I am now. The suit body is together and needs leg elastic next. Then the cups go in. Then I hope I can find an underwire in my collection to fit. Swimsuits are huge investments of time. However, this one is princess seamed, 1 or 2 pieces, colour block friendly - and suitable for the slightly squishy body I seem to have.  Well, I'll let you be the judge of that in a few days. Or not. I need to see it first before I decide if it suitable for the public eye.

Ducklings!

I looked out the window around supper tonight. That's when you check on the cracked corn before the ducks arrive for their nightly feed. The single girl arrives first, and then there's a flurry of 5 that circle the yard once and then land with a crash.

I look out - and there is the single girl - trailed by the seven most obedient, adorable little ducklings ever! When you get ducks in a row, you just know! Sorry, no picture of that.

I sent DH out with a scoop of our finest feed. The little ones turned up their cute little bills but mom had a good meal. I think the little ones are still on soft food. We would be feeding the school ducklings cracked corn by now, but wet. These guys had other ideas.

Next the gang of 5 arrived. She could see them coming and moved her flock off a bit. The others gave her a nod and took over the food. Mom headed her group down the yard and we followed. There were a few tense moments as we stopped traffic, but the crossing was successful.

I can say that AFTER we decided that 7 did reach the other side, even though DH only counted 6. Mom counted them after they cleared the ditch. She would know. DH and I searched the ditch and stream just in case. People never know.

The Slippery Slope

OK. Today we drove by a church on the way to be a check point in a car rally, and there was the sign in the parking lot - ATM located inside.

We drove by it twice, so I'm pretty sure I got that right. I was flabbergasted!

We also dropped in on DH's cousin who has a farm store on her dairy farm. Happy little chickens, sheep, geese, etc run over to meet you. You pick up wayward eggs and put them where they won't be stepped on. I loved it! We got some Very free range meat and e-transferred the money. Ah, the modern farm!

I find it interesting that I will buy meat that has been ethically raised. Today I looked my food in its cute little beady eyes and I had no problem buying it for dinner. I don't think I'll change on that, but we'll see how it goes. I find my opinions or my ethics are evolving. Not sure where I'll end up - or if they will ever settle for good. Now that I have more time to think about decisions and more time to be 'less convenient' when I want - I find myself wanting to put my money and time where it will best placed.

I rarely buy clothing and I am starting to consider how the fabric for my sewing is produced. I will spend more and go further to buy local. I try not to use credit cards at small local businesses. Of course this is all slippery slope. Once you make a step in that direction it's hard not to keep going further and further.

And I am so, so grateful I can afford to be this way. We aren't rich but we can make choices. And we're Canadian. We are lucky duckies.

Yesterday we went to the Greekfest. A lovely man at DH's work had given us tickets and it was a beautiful day, so off we went. It was great fun. They have a beautiful location on the water. We had a delicious lunch and all was perfect until we ducked inside to see what was there.

There was the dessert table. It was long, luscious and really, really good. Oh, so good! Beyond the outermost regions of good. We stuffed ourselves at a sunny table outside and then worked very hard to waddle on back to the car.

I'm sure that man had good intentions, but he's now responsible for the current state of my middle. All of it! I'm throwing it all at him.

And the Greek church also had a cash machine. In this case I was left with the impression it was just there for the fest. Oh, I so hope so! Didn't Jesus tear up a place of worship for doing the same sort of thing long ago?

Sound The Trumpets!

If I knew how to put a drum roll here, you'd be hearing it!

I have been working on a lace scarf for over a year, and it's finished.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, it's done. About 120 bobbins, lace weight alpaca yarn - and a great pattern that let me really get comfortable with some very useful stitches. For those who don't know bobbin lace it's an obscure needle craft that is usually done with thread the thickness of a spiderweb. It takes at least an hour per square inch and if you make a mistake, fudging takes more time and knowhow than ripping it out and redoing it again - and again. I avoid the spiderweb stuff and like to try thicker, more interesting material.

I love the process. It's like a Sudoku for me. I started when I retired and it was just the thing to shake me up as a learner. I will never be anything other than a beginner, but that's just fine. I don't want to put the time in that would be required to get proficient. A few hours a week keep me happy.

Next I'm going to work on some pieces from a workbook I just bought. I plan to use the pieces in clothing I make. Practice that's practical.

Here is the masterpiece. No, the edge should not be all ripply like that. You are not looking at a good piece of lace. You are looking at a finished piece of lace that I am so proud of! I don't pick at or judge my work. I love it just the way it is, warts and all. So much more enjoyable that way!

Not sure what to do with the fringe.

Hours and hours of long scarf. 

These are some of the bobbins I used.

The Annual Family Picnic

Just heard knocking on the window. A duck. I don't know if it was picking the bugs off the windowsill, or asking for a corn refill. Either way, we both got what we wanted.

I miss the dog. Angus was so much fun! Now, mind you - let's not forget that 10 days is a reasonable commitment when you are talking dog. Those things need a great deal of maintenance! I loved every minute, but on the 11th day, I rested. Here I am resting prior to the 11th day. It was an enforced rest.

I have to make a list of what to sew. Every time I go to the 'makery' I am overwhelmed by the possibilities. So much fabric, so little ability to not start and stay with one project at a time. And then, why do I care about that? Why do we put pressure on ourselves to complete projects or make 'good use of our time'? Mind you, I do need clothes. Maybe it's not me doing the pressure so much as it might be my closet. Ah! I do have a boss - and it seems I bow to the hanger. I'm good with that. 

Oh, and the undie drawer seems to have an issue with me too. I am a woman with many bosses.

On Mother's Day the sisters and I had the annual Mother's Day Picnic with my mother, her mother and lots of other family members at the Chester graveyard. We spread out the picnic blanket, open the snack and wine and have a proper family time. Mom likes a nice glass of wine, so we pour her a sip. The same man we met there last year drops by and offers to bring the wine next year. He's visiting the wife. We make a date with him for 2017, Mother's day at 1 pm. This all makes sense to us. It just feels right.

Although I could never explain to anyone outside our immediate family why mom has yet to get a marker with her name - we all understand. It's been 9 years. She might get her marker this year. Maybe. It's an act of great love and respect on our part to honour the family tradition of procrastination. It's what we do, but only when wildly inappropriate and yet fitting into the family criteria.

Oh, and there was an almost albino blue jay at the picnic. White with a few black streaks in its tail. It hung around for a while so we got to enjoy it. Neat!

Cherry Cake

The excitement continues! The CS Pro2 should come on the big brown truck on Tuesday. Staff are on high alert. My cell phone is at hand. Preparations continue.

I bought fabric for the sewing space do over. I have a lovely sewing space. It's time to make it beautiful. And my machines all need covers. The dust that gathers is so harmful, and as electrical devices they attract lint. Then there will be chair covers, accessories - general frivolity.

One of the virtual gifts I got was an idea for a project. I want to stitch out stitches I don't know. The machine has about 600. I think if I already know it, I may skip over a few. C brought me some lovely projects she stitched out (see last post) so I based my fabric choices on a sweet print I have loved for some time. I bought the remaining fabric on the bolt. There should be enough for a sewing room mum! Then I pulled in some solids to show off machine stitch work.

Thanks to those who have contributed to my virtual shower! It's been hard to make people realize I don't actually want anything. I just want the ideas! Share in my excitement people! Send me a virtual gift!

Monday morning I am baking a lovely cherry pound cake for the arrival.

Mouse update: DH cleaned up the makeshift house and found no bodies or other signs of mice. I'm hopeful this means they collected the troops and went on their way. DH says they have probably moved back in the garden shed. If so, I'll be letting them stay.

Our house guest is  making himself comfortable. He is smart and aims to please. I like him. However he does remind us how much care a dog requires, and therefore I don't see a dog on our horizon.

There was great consternation when his fav stick just wouldn't fit up the stairs and had to stay at the park. He did give it a good try.

A Virtual Shower For Me!

There is so much excitement in my life right now, I may explode!

First - the other day I stopped at an intersection and let a large dump truck proceed. They have brakes and shifting and things - they deserve a break when you can and when you should. So as the truck passes me the load cover lifts and lowers! Just like it was tipping its hat to me! Better than running into Mickey Mouse at Disney! Amazing! Makes you feel like the princess you are!

Next, we are sitting a 75 lb. Irish Setter named Angus. He is so sweet, well mannered and he loves to spoon! We are really enjoying his company. That poor dog is being walked off his paw pads! After some time with no pet it is a treat to have him here. Though, I must say it's best not to follow him up the stairs. That rear end is like a little perfume atomizer - puff, puff, puff!

But the big news is>>>>>

I'm getting a new sewing machine!!!!!!

A really big one, and it's brand new!!!!!!

I finally decided to go for the new Creative Sensation Pro 2. It's just been released and I am jumping on it. The CS Pro has been a great, reliable machine. This machine adds a few bells and whistles and I am ready to go sewing/embroidery. I like to embroider and it seems silly not to get a machine that does it well. It also sews beautifully. The tension thingy is amazing and helps with both sewing and embroidery.

Now I did consider the new Husqvarna Designer Epic. I drool for the features on that machine. However, I want to stay Pfaff for the IDT (walking foot built in). Pfaff may be coming out with an 'Epic jump' in features as well. If and when they do I may reconsider then. My options are there.

So the order went in today and it should be here next week. In the meantime I am throwing myself a virtual shower, and you are all invited!

If you could, and money is not in question, what would you give me as the perfect present for the new embroidery/sewing machine owner? It could be an accessory, fabric, whatever! It could even be a project that I should try. What was the best thing you got yourself, or did?

The Great P 'gave' me a virtual magnetic hoop. She finds it practical and versatile.  I agree, and have one on order.

Our technician brought me a project she did and suggests I do. I want to spend some time stitching out the decorative stitches. Everyone says that but we rarely get there. They look so much better stitched out than they do on the machine menu. She thinks it's best if the stitch out then goes into something you use. For inspiration she brought me some bags and a seat cover/bag she made long ago - and still uses. Excellent!

So. Come to my virtual sewing machine shower! Bring me your fav accessory or project that will send me off to a great start with my new baby! Help yourself to the virtual and calorie free temptations and make yourself comfortable. I am so excited!

If Mice Would Just Wear Nappies

It was lovely yesterday! Sunny and perfect for rummaging around the garden shed.

We moved lots of things out to make room for gardening activities. Lawn furniture, that sort of thing. I was digging in my cupboard drawers looking for some wettable sulfur when my nose picked up a less than delicate scent. Yuck! Stinky mouse pee in my potions and lotions drawer!

Now pay attention. Stupidity sets in here.

I am grossed out thoroughly but figure I better do the cleaning today as it won't get any better with time. I start to pull things out and set them outside for bleaching and hosing. Most things are in bins so it's easy to do. The bottom drawer has the foam sheets I used for wrapping trees. It's really stinky and I pick it up by both ends so no pee spills out.

I make it to the door before I realize that wasn't what I needed to notice.

Things like:

• the pee smell was fresh - very fresh
• foam is soft and easily chewed
• mice had been there for some time - why?

So at the door the well chewed bottom drops out of the pile of foam and a mass of chewed foam, a mother mouse and a whole bunch of baby mice drop on the doorstep. OMG!

Mother picks up a baby and runs to a plumbing pipe lying handy by the door. She stuffs baby in and then turns to glare at me. I'm horrified! The babies seem too young to move on their own and I figure the best I can do is to put the group back together in a safe and warm spot. DH is fetched from his workshop and brings a milk carton with an old towel. I scoop mice into the carton, push it over the mouth of the pipe, dump seeds next to it, cover it with other bins and insulating layers. I'm still horrified, but recovering. I feel so bad! Poor little family! 

Back to the cleaning. I mix the bleach really strong (I hate to admit I even own bleach,  but there are times when nothing else will do). I spray everything in the bins and let it sit while I go back to the drawers. There are cardboard tubes in the bottom drawer I haven't yet moved and I decide they need to go. As I reach for the first one, it moves.

Add to the 'need to notice' list above:

• the babies seemed to be in two groups - older and younger
• this might indicate more than 1 mother

Mother #2 pops out of the tube, checks me out and scampers over the drawer wall - and then who knows where? I am a home wrecker and a family breaker upper! 

I clean the drawers and the bins. I no longer smell bleach, it's just what the world smells like, I think. I left the door open all day so maybe mouse #2 can come out and find her babies again. 

The mice here are really quite cute. They have round little bodies, they don't bolt and they hop. Really quite adorable! As DH has had them climb his legs on 2 separate occasions, we call them pant mice. 

I can only imagine what they call me. 

And yes, we do figure the baby she grabbed first was her favourite. Every mother has one.