Here's the tutorial I used to make my star hot pads. I do have a few comments and suggestions.
First, notice her cutting of the first 2 layers. It's not accurate or straight. It doesn't need to be at that point. I'm all in favour of rough cuts.Trim it properly before you turn to the right side.
Use a cardboard template and draw around it. I googled pentagrams, used my quilting ruler to add to each side and enlarged it.
She doesn't seem to pad hers. I made a template for the padding and added it after the star is turned right side out. Notice how she draws lines from the midpoint of each side to determine the star folds? That's the template and placement for the inside batting layers. I used one layer of quilt batting and one layer of heat resistant batting. Just wiggle them into place. The batting layers will be stitched in place as you top stitch the star shape in place.
Got scraps? Well there you go.
And speaking of going, Patch has a great sale this week, and I found lots to follow me home. Yum!
Tuesday, 29 December 2015
Monday, 28 December 2015
Guess Who's Coming To Dinner and a Movie?
So I'm lying on the couch, watching a good old movie when I see something brown waft by the basement window. I'm downstairs looking up at the window. I think little of it as it's windy and probably just some garbage blowing by - but I keep an eye out. And then the deer head pops in the window, nose to the pane - to get a better look.
Three of them at the side yard! A doe and I think her twins. They were smaller and she was a good size. They hung out in the wild shrubs, munching for a while. Long enough for the neighbours to call over in case we were missing it. The snowplow noise sent them on their way. However, they're regular visitors. A month ago DH had the door to the workshop open and they considered climbing the stairs in before he discouraged them. He also was watching TV. I sense a pattern. I hope it's a milder winter. We lost a lot of shrubbery to them last year. This year we are armed with a bag of deer food if they get started.
Now, some words about the Christmas giving. As usual I made a bunch of things I liked and then gave them out to people and let them have their choice. As usual, this worked well. However I did make some stuffies for the growing collection of little ones the nieces and nephews are providing.
I do find people in general are happy to receive and I enjoy their pleasure. But NOTHING beats the sight of a little one going atomic when handed what seems to be just the right thing! I know from experience (both as a recipient and as a giver) that the receiver always appreciates, but there does come a few special times when the right note is hit and the little one bounces high with delight. I have no idea how I nailed it (with more than one of them!), but was that ever enough to hold me for a least 10 years, or more! It was a pure and perfect Christmas moment.
These are terrible pictures, but here we have the proud new owner of a doll and her brother about to toss teddy just one more time. Got to love an a-frame ceiling! They held onto those stuffies all night.
I made a quilt for my brother. I was not happy with the result until we got the border right. It defines the pattern blocks and gives them some required 'gravitas', I think. The Great P did the quilting on he long arm as time was creeping up on me. Quilt sewn on my Singer 27VS treadle (circa 1893) and my Featherweight when I decided to clean my treadle, forgetting I was halfway through a quilt.
Three of them at the side yard! A doe and I think her twins. They were smaller and she was a good size. They hung out in the wild shrubs, munching for a while. Long enough for the neighbours to call over in case we were missing it. The snowplow noise sent them on their way. However, they're regular visitors. A month ago DH had the door to the workshop open and they considered climbing the stairs in before he discouraged them. He also was watching TV. I sense a pattern. I hope it's a milder winter. We lost a lot of shrubbery to them last year. This year we are armed with a bag of deer food if they get started.
Now, some words about the Christmas giving. As usual I made a bunch of things I liked and then gave them out to people and let them have their choice. As usual, this worked well. However I did make some stuffies for the growing collection of little ones the nieces and nephews are providing.
I do find people in general are happy to receive and I enjoy their pleasure. But NOTHING beats the sight of a little one going atomic when handed what seems to be just the right thing! I know from experience (both as a recipient and as a giver) that the receiver always appreciates, but there does come a few special times when the right note is hit and the little one bounces high with delight. I have no idea how I nailed it (with more than one of them!), but was that ever enough to hold me for a least 10 years, or more! It was a pure and perfect Christmas moment.
These are terrible pictures, but here we have the proud new owner of a doll and her brother about to toss teddy just one more time. Got to love an a-frame ceiling! They held onto those stuffies all night.
I made a quilt for my brother. I was not happy with the result until we got the border right. It defines the pattern blocks and gives them some required 'gravitas', I think. The Great P did the quilting on he long arm as time was creeping up on me. Quilt sewn on my Singer 27VS treadle (circa 1893) and my Featherweight when I decided to clean my treadle, forgetting I was halfway through a quilt.
I made some Noodlehead Open Wide bags. Excellent free pattern (and her purchased patterns are even better!) and I finally like the way the zipper on a bag is put in place.
I made some bowls from both twined fabric scraps and Home depot cotton clothesline rope (not in picture). They were easy to put together and you can really play with top and bottom thread colour. I plan to play with adding scraps and other embellishment to the bowls next. The family finds they make excellent hats as well. Creative family!
I made some pentagonal folded star hot mats. If I remember (feel free to remind me) I'll post a tutorial.
Pinterest twigged me to crochet a cord cosy for my phone charger. Not that was just plain fun! Do give it a try!
Wednesday, 9 December 2015
Swiffering
I showed my recent 'must have' notions at sewing guild last night. We all want an adjustable double tracing wheel with chalk marker wheel on the outside. Tiger tape also requested - it's one of those 'good things' that would be nice to have, once you figure out what to do with it. Hand sewers know about tiger tape. And Wonder Clips. Just buy as many as you can afford, in both sizes.
I was more than a bit disorganized in my delivery. It's that time of the year. We get so much up in our heads! One needs to just gather it up and chuck it out occasionally. If only Swiffer would come up with a product. They could give a whole new meaning to Mind Sweeper! (or is it Mine Sweeper? Regardless, both involve things exploding at inopportune times. And then you have a mess.)
Couldn't have been too embarrassing. The Great P held it together throughout. She's been know to go off the deep end and require medical assistance when I make what she sees as an unbelievable gaffe, and what I see as an innocent remark requiring a twisted mind to get where she goes.
Mind Swiffers for all my friends!
At this point for most of us makers we have all the usual notions. We are looking for new toys to play with and help us to new possibilities. And then some of us just want a shiny new toy. Regardless, I enjoy checking them all out.
Clover et al? Send them my way. I can't be bought, but I promise to play hard.
That's wrong, actually. Send me enough fabric and I could be bought.
NEW TOPIC!
Waterways are usually considered Federal jurisdiction around here. The province looks after wildlife. The city kicks in with local parks.
So how do you explain this? And what do we do?
Last night's work interrupted by breakfast. No wait! That may have been breakfast!
The new extension to the house. Wife wants it done before the relatives arrive for the holidays.
Regulatory signage. The papers are in order.
City park. Federal waterway. Provincial animal.
No, actually - I think the beaver is considered of National Interest. However it's nice that the city has stepped in here to take the lead. The appropriate official signage clearly indicates a construction zone. And although dogs must be on a leash, beavers have no such restrictions. I'm waiting for the first smart ass to add to that sign. Hmmm.... Where are those Sharpies?
This area was formerly known as the Shubie Canal. Soon to be the Shubie Lagoon. If you are crossing overhead on the Cole Harbour extension highway, a PFD is recommended.
I was more than a bit disorganized in my delivery. It's that time of the year. We get so much up in our heads! One needs to just gather it up and chuck it out occasionally. If only Swiffer would come up with a product. They could give a whole new meaning to Mind Sweeper! (or is it Mine Sweeper? Regardless, both involve things exploding at inopportune times. And then you have a mess.)
Couldn't have been too embarrassing. The Great P held it together throughout. She's been know to go off the deep end and require medical assistance when I make what she sees as an unbelievable gaffe, and what I see as an innocent remark requiring a twisted mind to get where she goes.
Mind Swiffers for all my friends!
At this point for most of us makers we have all the usual notions. We are looking for new toys to play with and help us to new possibilities. And then some of us just want a shiny new toy. Regardless, I enjoy checking them all out.
Clover et al? Send them my way. I can't be bought, but I promise to play hard.
That's wrong, actually. Send me enough fabric and I could be bought.
NEW TOPIC!
Waterways are usually considered Federal jurisdiction around here. The province looks after wildlife. The city kicks in with local parks.
So how do you explain this? And what do we do?
Last night's work interrupted by breakfast. No wait! That may have been breakfast!
The new extension to the house. Wife wants it done before the relatives arrive for the holidays.
Regulatory signage. The papers are in order.
Note the efficiency. Some call it clear cutting. Alert Green Peace!
This is well off site, so there seems to be some unregulated expansion. I've been reading in the papers lately that this clear cutting may be happening outside of the established boundaries.
City park. Federal waterway. Provincial animal.
No, actually - I think the beaver is considered of National Interest. However it's nice that the city has stepped in here to take the lead. The appropriate official signage clearly indicates a construction zone. And although dogs must be on a leash, beavers have no such restrictions. I'm waiting for the first smart ass to add to that sign. Hmmm.... Where are those Sharpies?
This area was formerly known as the Shubie Canal. Soon to be the Shubie Lagoon. If you are crossing overhead on the Cole Harbour extension highway, a PFD is recommended.
Monday, 30 November 2015
Ode To My Flannel Sheets
Ode To Flannel Sheets
O Flannel sheets!
How I love you so!
From my softly cradled face
To my well snuggled toes.
I love you so.
It is impossible to leave you
In the early hour.
Who are we kidding?
To leave you at any time
Just makes me sour.
So sour.
I was once inconsolable
During your week in the wash
I bought a second pair
The pleasure is now endless -
(dash rhymes with wash, kind of)
Endless love.
May you never wear out.
May you never defuzz
I celebrate your glory
Until June, because
At that time your welcome
Is a bit overstayed.
I switch to white cotton
Much to your dismay.
But you get to do the snuggle
With your partner pair
To the closet you go.
Your dark warm lair.
But for now, I love you so.
O Flannel sheets!
How I love you so!
From my softly cradled face
To my well snuggled toes.
I love you so.
It is impossible to leave you
In the early hour.
Who are we kidding?
To leave you at any time
Just makes me sour.
So sour.
I was once inconsolable
During your week in the wash
I bought a second pair
The pleasure is now endless -
(dash rhymes with wash, kind of)
Endless love.
May you never wear out.
May you never defuzz
I celebrate your glory
Until June, because
At that time your welcome
Is a bit overstayed.
I switch to white cotton
Much to your dismay.
But you get to do the snuggle
With your partner pair
To the closet you go.
Your dark warm lair.
But for now, I love you so.
Wednesday, 18 November 2015
Lunenburg
We went to Lunenburg this weekend. DH took a course in stone carving with Heather Lawson. It was perfect and he came away ready to get into it. We certainly have the backyard for it and we both like that sort of thing. He has that sense of space and proportion that should serve him well. He's aiming for a turtle some day. I'm betting on one enormous and beautiful turtle. We stayed over Saturday night in a local Inn. There are 10,000 little inns in Lunenburg.
It was interesting to visit another UNESCO heritage site after spending time in Bath. The two sites have a lot in common. Both adhere to a particular type of architecture. Both are on a hill overlooking water. They have obvious pride in their physical presence and an awareness of their role as a heritage site.
I've not walked above the waterfront in Lunenburg before. You can walk the whole place in a few hours and it's worth the time. In fact, I did it several times. There are nicely placed signposts telling you some of the details of different houses. It has the biggest bandstand I've ever seen! The town has free wifi! Great to help tourists get around, and you can buy more data if you need to. In Bath I was annoyed by being unable to access an online walking tour as I was walking. It wouldn't download either. In Lunenburg I could see if Kate's was open for breakfast, and it was!
Kate's Catering and Cafe was a highlight! Just go. I used it as my base for snack and warming. Centrally located in the shopping zone.
And OOOOOH! the shopping! First, they have a Lunenburg Makery! It was so much like the Bath Makery - just like twins! Lovely little shop for makers of all things. They have a series of their own kits - many wool felt stuffed animals, etc. They carry some modern fabric, sewing and craft supplies and have studio machines for rent as well as classes. Lovely!
But upstairs and next door there is a clothing shop that makes on site some/much of their stock. Well made, simple designs, lovely fabric and good prices. $99 for a sheath dress in a beautiful yummy fabric. I found all the clothing stores to have good, well curated stock. Quality, not overpriced and much of local or Canadian origin. The home dec stores were similar. It's worth the trip. I'd have to say I liked it better than Mahone Bay (My mother just rolled over and groaned. No worries. She's done that before!).
It could be that I had no rush. Nothing could be better than 2 days to just mosey and poke your nose into nooks and crannies. It was just what the soul needs at times. I also got to hear church bells in play and as I walked by some holy building I could hear hymns being sung. At Kate's later I got to hear about the minister and how the Sunday School activities were progressing. It was like eavesdropping on a community, but in a nice way. It was a privilege I very much thank them for.
Ooops. I've dangled a participle. And I liked it!
It was interesting to visit another UNESCO heritage site after spending time in Bath. The two sites have a lot in common. Both adhere to a particular type of architecture. Both are on a hill overlooking water. They have obvious pride in their physical presence and an awareness of their role as a heritage site.
I've not walked above the waterfront in Lunenburg before. You can walk the whole place in a few hours and it's worth the time. In fact, I did it several times. There are nicely placed signposts telling you some of the details of different houses. It has the biggest bandstand I've ever seen! The town has free wifi! Great to help tourists get around, and you can buy more data if you need to. In Bath I was annoyed by being unable to access an online walking tour as I was walking. It wouldn't download either. In Lunenburg I could see if Kate's was open for breakfast, and it was!
Kate's Catering and Cafe was a highlight! Just go. I used it as my base for snack and warming. Centrally located in the shopping zone.
And OOOOOH! the shopping! First, they have a Lunenburg Makery! It was so much like the Bath Makery - just like twins! Lovely little shop for makers of all things. They have a series of their own kits - many wool felt stuffed animals, etc. They carry some modern fabric, sewing and craft supplies and have studio machines for rent as well as classes. Lovely!
But upstairs and next door there is a clothing shop that makes on site some/much of their stock. Well made, simple designs, lovely fabric and good prices. $99 for a sheath dress in a beautiful yummy fabric. I found all the clothing stores to have good, well curated stock. Quality, not overpriced and much of local or Canadian origin. The home dec stores were similar. It's worth the trip. I'd have to say I liked it better than Mahone Bay (My mother just rolled over and groaned. No worries. She's done that before!).
It could be that I had no rush. Nothing could be better than 2 days to just mosey and poke your nose into nooks and crannies. It was just what the soul needs at times. I also got to hear church bells in play and as I walked by some holy building I could hear hymns being sung. At Kate's later I got to hear about the minister and how the Sunday School activities were progressing. It was like eavesdropping on a community, but in a nice way. It was a privilege I very much thank them for.
Ooops. I've dangled a participle. And I liked it!
Sunday, 8 November 2015
Shedding a Tear of Joy
Sorry about that last post. I've been thinking about it all week. Takes me right back to adolescence and all the crazy things that go through your mind then. And university, and all the things that go on there. It's a wonder we ever come out of the bathroom. It's safer in there. Why do women take so long to get ready to go out? Avoidance tactic. We would rather avoid the possibilities.
Haters gonna hate. Shake it off.
AND..... my fabulous body image is back!!!!!! Missed you baby! So glad you're back!
DH and I have been working on a joint project in the man cave. We had an old footstool in front of the fire for the cats to warm up on. Now that we have said goodbye to the last of our little ones it was time to recover and reconstruct. We cut it down in width and used the extra fabric we purchased when we purchased our fireside chairs. Now we have a footstool built for 2! Ignore the lighting. The fabric matches perfectly. DH says it could fit 2, maybe 3 cats.
DH keeps reminiscing about our feline 5. I've always left the decision about future animal commitment up to him. That's his field. Currently, with the number of cat videos I am being shown (as I write!) I expect him to start building cat toys soon. (Listen. He's laughing at cute cats again!)
Currently DH can do no wrong anyway. Bring on those cats, I say! We went to the Forum Craft and Antique Show today. I didn't think we'd get past the antiques, but I didn't think it would be me not needing to look any further! I'm checking out trinkets and china when he pops over to say "Did you see the Wilcox and Gibbs?".
I know what you're thinking. How amazing is it to have a man who not only knows the history of the bustle, but can spot an amazing antique sewing machine find? I have that man. We scooped that puppy up for a reasonable price and brought her home. I still have heart palpitations when I think of it! I almost cried, right there on the floor. I did hug the seller. He was pleased with my enthusiasm. And as usual, I scored big and DH found squat. Poor man. He's still using my PayPal account for his eBay purchases, so life isn't all that bad for him. I understand I have a tire gauge for a ModelT arriving soon. So PayPal tells me.
We also bought Robertson candies. Christmas tradition. Made in Truro, and better chicken bones than Ganong by a mile! Mmmmm. A perfect day.
Haters gonna hate. Shake it off.
AND..... my fabulous body image is back!!!!!! Missed you baby! So glad you're back!
DH and I have been working on a joint project in the man cave. We had an old footstool in front of the fire for the cats to warm up on. Now that we have said goodbye to the last of our little ones it was time to recover and reconstruct. We cut it down in width and used the extra fabric we purchased when we purchased our fireside chairs. Now we have a footstool built for 2! Ignore the lighting. The fabric matches perfectly. DH says it could fit 2, maybe 3 cats.
DH keeps reminiscing about our feline 5. I've always left the decision about future animal commitment up to him. That's his field. Currently, with the number of cat videos I am being shown (as I write!) I expect him to start building cat toys soon. (Listen. He's laughing at cute cats again!)
Currently DH can do no wrong anyway. Bring on those cats, I say! We went to the Forum Craft and Antique Show today. I didn't think we'd get past the antiques, but I didn't think it would be me not needing to look any further! I'm checking out trinkets and china when he pops over to say "Did you see the Wilcox and Gibbs?".
I know what you're thinking. How amazing is it to have a man who not only knows the history of the bustle, but can spot an amazing antique sewing machine find? I have that man. We scooped that puppy up for a reasonable price and brought her home. I still have heart palpitations when I think of it! I almost cried, right there on the floor. I did hug the seller. He was pleased with my enthusiasm. And as usual, I scored big and DH found squat. Poor man. He's still using my PayPal account for his eBay purchases, so life isn't all that bad for him. I understand I have a tire gauge for a ModelT arriving soon. So PayPal tells me.
Thursday, 5 November 2015
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