Nada - sort of

Today I'm afraid I don't have any photos of progress on anything creative.  The barn quilt is *almost* done so I'll wait to show you that.  Instead, how about the view from our balcony?

This was taken yesterday - dark clouds and a little bit of sun shining on the trees beside the river.  Looks rather chilly (speaking of which, a few minutes ago we were getting a rain/snow mix....yuck, yuck, AND yuck!!).  

Just got back from taking our car in for some repairs.  Apparently the 'differential is leaking' and something else is seized up in the back end.  Makes me wonder if she's menopausal?

- There's a really cool (and free) block of the month quilt pattern beginning HERE.  Gorgeous colors!

- I will be making one of THESE I think.  Now that I've rejoined the local quilt guild I have to tote along a mug if I want to have a cuppa at break time.  This tote will be a perfect way to carry it (and...how about making a few as gifts as well?)

- If you are creating hand knitted items for Christmas gifts, perhaps adding one of THESE free printable labels might be a nice touch.  She also has done one for crocheted items HERE.

- The original of THIS was made in a candy corn colourway but it would look wonderful in Christmas colours as well. 

- Some fun ideas to fill clear glass Christmas ornaments can be found HERE.

- THIS ornament made me smile and maybe you will too.

Your quote is another from an anonymous source:  "A lot of walking away will do your life good.  Walk away from arguments that lead you to anger and nowhere.  Walk away from people who deliberately put you down.  Walk away from the practice of pleasing people who choose to never see your worth.  Walk away from any thought that undermines your peace of mind.  Walk away from judgmental people, they do not know the struggle you are facing and what you have been through.  Walk away from your mistakes and fears, they do not determine your fate.  The more you walk away from things that poison your soul, the healthier your life will be. 

A tad more

The past few days have led to precious little stitching time (or at least not as much as I'd hoped for), but there has been some progress on the latest barn.  It's been quilted and I'm in the process of adding some flower-y 'stuff' in the foreground, which will be a combination of embroidery and free motion stitching with the machine.  

I think you can click on it to embiggen it a little if you so desire.  I had hoped to have it finished to tote along this afternoon to the local quilt guild meeting for bring & brag but obviously I didn't make my deadline.  Oh well, there's always next month (unless of course it gets sold in the meantime!).

- Lots of free paper piecing patterns HERE (including some pretty cool shoes!)

- HERE is a tutorial for making really pretty pincushions from canning jar lids.

- If you're searching for inspiration for quilt labels, perhaps THESE might be useful.

- There's a great tutorial HERE for making pajama pants for the whole family.

The quote today is from Mother Teresa..."I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples"

A little bit more

There's been some more progress on the latest barn, inspired by looking outside and seeing the leaves turning.

- If you just *happen* to have an over-abundance of wooden ironing boards (and we all do, don't we?), perhaps THIS might just be what you want to do with them!!

- Have a look at the work by THIS artist!

- THIS is a nice table runner (or wall hanging) pattern you could make up for your Christmas decor.

- There's a nice pattern HERE for a roll-up makeup brush organizer (another Christmas gift idea perhaps?).

This is mental health month, so I honor that with today's quote..."I lied and said I was busy.  I was busy, but not in a way most people understand.  I was busy taking deeper breaths.  I was busy silencing irrational thoughts.  I was busy calming a racing heart.  I was busy telling myself I am okay.  Sometimes this is my busy, and I will not apologize for it"

Some knitting for a change

I just finished knitting this pair of socks.  I know....who knew?  

The pattern is a really easy one and will be my go-to

sock from now on.  The heel and toe is really simple to do.

Pattern is THIS one and I used Paton's Kroy sock yarn.

One more thing for the Christmas box!

- There are a number of ideas HERE to use your orphan quilt blocks.

- For those of you who like hexxies, perhaps making one (or several!) of THESE might be fun.

- There's a tutorial HERE for a really adorable owl pillow!

-  If you are searching for a nice knitted hat pattern, perhaps THIS one might be just what you're searching for.

- Lots of links HERE for some really cute baby bootees.

- THIS is a quick-make that only uses a yard of fabric.

Your quote..."To protect your energy....It's okay to cancel a commitment.  It's okay to not answer a call.  It's okay to change your mind.  It's okay to want to be alone.  It's okay to take a day off.  It's okay to do nothing.  It's okay to speak up.  It's okay to let go"

Excitement, progression and wishes

First, I would like to wish my Canadian readers a very happy Thanksgiving.  Enjoy your celebration and be safe on the roads.

I was honored (and beyond excited!!) to be asked to write an article for the 'Online Quilt Magazine' about my barns and their creation.  The issue is out now and if you'd like you can see the free version by going to THIS link.  You can then register to receive the free version of the magazine (scroll down - it's on the left) or you may pay $10 to receive the premium subscription (on the right).  Either way you can see my article.  Thank you Jody for all you do to provide the wonderful resources through this magazine.  

And...over the weekend there was some progress made on the latest barn as you can see from this photo...

- Have a peek at the fun creations by THIS artist!

- I like THIS - depending on the colors and flowers you use it could be made for any season or occasion.

- If you're a cat lover, perhaps your furry friend might love one of THESE for Christmas!

- THIS is for the crocheters - a lovely warm shrug pattern perfect for the cold winter months.

- And knitters might find THIS article and video useful if you're planning to knit a blanket.  

Your quote for today..."Thanksgiving, to be truly thanksgiving, is first thanks, then giving"

Teeny bits

There has been a teeny bit of progress on the latest barn but there hasn't been much in the way of studio time this week.  Funny how life manages to intrude on creativity!  Anyhow, here's a picture so you can see what did get done...

The eagle-eyed among you might also notice that I changed the tree line on the left somewhat.

- Go HERE to see Part 1 of a four-part series to create a Maple Cabin quilt, which is perfect for fall.  Links are there for parts 2 - 4 as well.

- And if you go HERE you will find part one - of five - for an amazing tutorial to make yourself (or use as a gift!) a really beautiful hussif.  So pretty - and so useful!

- Have a peek at the beautiful creations by THIS artist.

- I'm not a paper artist but for those of you who are, perhaps you might find THIS an interesting technique to use on paper ornaments.

- For those of you (notice I didn't use the word 'us'...ahem) that have a collection of buttons, perhaps making some of THESE Christmas ornaments would be a great plan.

Your quote..."A lie doesn't become truth, wrong doesn't become right, and evil doesn't become good just because it's accepted by the majority"

.....and......it begins again.....

Another barn.  What can I say....I'm obsessed!  This one has been planned for awhile so I am being a really good girl and doing what I should, but I have to admit I really, really, really (!) want to do the one I have waiting in the wings.  You will just have to wait and see what it is but suffice to say it has an element I've never tried before.  In the meantime, I'm working on this one...

Here is the beginning...

- Have a look at the amazing fibre art pieces by THIS artist.

- Awhile ago I did a link to a list of Canadian online fabric shops , patterns, etc. and I see that it has recently been updated.  Perhaps you might like to check it out HERE. 

- There's an interesting tutorial HERE for making applique animals for including on your needlework projects.

- Mary Corbet has an excellent article HERE about how to unravel pull skeins of embroidery flosses without ending up with a snarled mess.  

- I like THIS idea (link leads to the PDF file) - print one of these at the beginning of the year (or anytime you want to start...how about now?) and keep track of all the books you read in a year.  A fun concept!

- Some interesting ideas for holding your yarn ball in place while you're working can be found HERE.  

Your quote..."A lot of walking away will do your life good.  Walk away from arguments that lead you to anger and nowhere.  Walk away from people who deliberately put you down.  Walk away from the practice of pleasing people who choose to never see your worth.  Walk away from any thought that undermines your peace of mind.  Walk away from judgmental people, they do not know the struggle you are facing and what you have been through.  Walk away from your mistakes and fears, they do not determine your fate.  The more you walk away from things that poison your soul, the healthier your life will be.