QUILTING

I love the feel of quilts, but was not brought up in the tradition of making them. But after seeing a friend's quilt that she made with fabrics cut from her children's clothing, and arranging it on black background, I felt that I should at least look into this type of sewing.

By taking a few courses, some free from Craftsy.com, I have made my first sampler quilt. This is from Amy from Stitchery Dickory Dock, who provided the free lessons on the BOM 2012 (Block of the Month). I loved piecing the fabrics and creating the layout. I found that I can measure accurately, and it certainly helps with spatial sense!

Now quilting these layers together has been a real learning curve. First I spent about 40 dollars in machine feet: a walking foot and a free motion foot that had to be adjusted with some mean looking pliers! But, I am enjoying the quilting designs. They are not perfect, and I am ok with that.

My little Janome My Style machine is chugging along, just fine! Tension is good, and aside from some resistance from the bobbin winder, my machine and I work well together.

Tod and I have decided to hang it above the fireplace on the big chocolate brown wall, until we can find a painting that we can afford.

I don't think I will become an obsessive quilter. It is too easy to fall down that rabbit hole, and I have too many other things I'd like to try. But, I will try a landscape quilt as my next project, after sewing a couple more blouses!

First Grandchild

So, I really didn't think I was ready to be a grandmother. After all, I just retired, still feel very young, and I'm just getting used to freedom, in a new province, in a new house, without any children physically needing us! And then the daughter gets married. It was such a happy occasion, because we really think she picked a wonderful man, who really loves her . . . and understands her! JOY!

But then, they have this most beautiful baby boy, born April 9th. I could not be there for the birth, as she went two weeks early. (Good thing, he was a whopping 8 lbs 11 ounces and she is only 5 ft 3 inches and had only gained 24 pounds!)

So, I was ready in an instant to be a grandparent, as was Tod. But, surprisingly, I was so anxious to see my daughter. I needed to know that she was fine. We already had seen a photo of the baby, and knew that he was healthy. But, no pictures of my daughter. It struck me how much your child is still your child, no matter now independent and capable they are. She was fine, but motherhood is a big change, and no one can prepare you for the sheer physical and emotional roller coaster it is. Tod and I were happy to be asked to stay to help out. After all, who but your mom and dad would be as much in love with your child as you are?

Organized Sewing Room

Having a large laundry room on the main floor, close to my computer area has been one of my favorite things about this house. I can watch my Craftsy.com classes, and choose to sew or knit with all my materials close at hand.

We bought some pre-cut 1/8 inch pegboard and I painted them in a melamine type paint. I chose a robin's egg blue, which seemed to pop on the tan walls.

The water heater is on the wall behind the striped curtain. We were able to buy a flexible velcro curtain rod, and by pinching some of the excess material, I made some pleats to add a little interest to the curtain, where I needed it. I also painted the legs on an Ikea dining room table, and painted an old sewing machine cabinet, too.

I am very surprised at how easy it is to find all my tools and to put them away when my sewing session is over. Is this how organized people live? I like it!