A cause for celebration!

 I have officially put the last quilting stitch into the lap quilt and my hands are very grateful.  Of course I'm still facing putting the binding on both it and The Quilt but that will wait until it returns from the longarmers.  I think the trimmings from The Quilt will do the binding for both quilts.  

With the help of my trusty holder-upper.....

The back...

A closeup to show the quilting..

As usual, the sun isn't cooperating so I turned on
all the lights and this is the best I could do.

And...guess what?

A new landscape is started
using this photo by Dale Stewart as inspiration...

used with his very kind permission

- Have a peek through the galleries of THIS amazing artist!

- THIS link takes you to a tutorial for a nice bag that would serve a multitude of uses.

- I'd love to be a fly on the wall and watch THIS artist creating!

- THIS is a different take on the traditional Easter egg design.

Today's quote..."Don't worry about getting old, worry about thinking old.

Another finish

 It's almost impossible to get a decent picture for you, and this is the best I can do...

This little puffer fish measures about 8" from his mouth to the tip of his tail.  Our 3 year old grandie loves the 'Pout Pout Fish' books which are based on a puffer fish so I thought he needed a stuffie that resembles one.  Pattern is THIS one.  It's an English pattern so I had to convert it to Canadian/US crochet terms.  

And, when I was going back through my blog I came across the first 'idea' I had for The Quilt.  Very glad I didn't go with it as you can see from this...

- Now that we're all pretty much back to carrying our own bags to do our shopping, perhaps one or more of THESE might come in handy.

- Summer is approaching on this side of the world, so one of THESE might be a good addition to your wardrobe.  There are more possibilities HERE. 

- THIS looks like such a fun project that adults and kids alike would have fun doing.

- HERE is another great little project.

Today the quote is by Terry Tempest Williams..."Once upon a time there was the simple understanding that to sing at dawn and to sing at dusk was to heal the world through joy.  The birds still remember what we have forgotten, that the world is meant to be celebrated"

Ouch, ow, yeow....

 My thumbs are complaining mightily but I am refusing to listen.  I am determined to get this lap-sized quilt finished no matter what.  When I do it will mean there are no more large projects hanging over my head and I can get back to doing landscapes (yay!).  I went back to find a picture of it on my blog and I found it in a post from January 2021.  Here it is...

I'm quilting it by hand using heart shapes of various sizes.  As of this moment I think it's  about 3/4's done and that's after several defeated attempts to finish it.  In case you can't tell from the picture it combines 'regular' quilt blocks with vintage linens.  It's another of those projects that seemed like a good idea at the time and, although it was fun to stitch together, I have no earthly idea what I'm going to do with it.  It no doubt will be moved from the 'Feel Guilty Time Out Pile' to the 'Dust Collector Pile'.  

- THIS looks like it might be a fun sampler quiltalong (and NO, I will not be taking part - I've had quite enough of quilts for a long time!!!)

- Perhaps you might like to save your ORT's and make one of THESE.

- THIS is a great little project that works well for recycling too.

- THIS would be handy for so many different things.

- THIS is an interesting article concerning storage of fabric scraps and also some ideas of things to make with them.

Today's quote is by Joshua Becker.."Look around your home.  That closet stuffed full, that drawer that doesn't close, the garage you can't park in because of the boxes - those are all opportunities to give and help others"

A couple more finishes

I had just enough hexies left to make a couple of throw pillows to go along with 'The Quilt'.  I didn't do a celebratory dance over the Grande Finish because I remembered that I still will have to stitch yards of binding onto The Quilt before I will be able to call it done.  Quilt is going to the longarm spa tomorrow so we'll see what she comes up with.

Some of you may remember me working on an online class from Rhonda Dort where I played along and made the throw-sized quilt.  Unfortunately, it's been sitting in a timeout corner pretty much since I finished it.  I made up my mind in January that I would quilt one block each day but I fell off that particular sore-fingered wagon in short order.  Now I am doubly determined to get it done because I'm sick of it making me feel guilty so...darn the torpedoes (AND my fingers!!) and let's see how far I get THIS time!  (You can see Rhonda's first post about the class HERE and I think it's still available should you want to play with it)

- Thanks to reader Boud, I have discovered the lovely works of THIS artist.

- Further on the subject of pillows - maybe you'd like to try making one of THESE.  

- THIS is a sweet little project that would be lovely to have - or to give.

- THIS made me smile.

As did this....

Done, Done AND done!!!!!

 The Quilt (or at least this part of it) is DONE!!!  It's almost impossible to get decent pictures when our bedroom is so small so these aren't great but I think you can get the general idea...

and here's a closeup of part of one of the border corners....

I'll be calling the longarm quilter to see when she might have time to quilt it.  I'm hoping she won't quilt it too densely because it certainly doesn't need a lot more weight.  She provides the batting so hopefully she'll have something lightweight.  The backing is going to be a purple-ish design chosen by Resident Chef.  It will serve as a bedspread, rather than a queen-sized quilt.

Now to make a couple of throw pillows out of the leftovers and THEN I can call it quits, at least until I need to bind it.

- For those who are interested in weaving, perhaps you'd like to have a go at THIS.

- THESE little guys made me smile.

- Have a peek through the galleries of THIS amazing artist.

- Sometimes I come across something that just boggles my mind and THIS is one of them.  Be sure to scroll down to see how it was made.  And while you're there, be sure to look through the gallery HERE...wow!!!

- THESE would be cute to create and I would think fabric scraps would work just as well.

- Something else HERE that would be cute for Easter.

- Funny how sometimes the simplest things can make something beautiful as you can see HERE.  

Today the quote is from Erma Bombeck..."Worrying is like a rocking chair.  It gives you something to do but never gets you anywhere"

and....they said it wouldn't last!

 March 20 2006 I began this foray into blogging and am still awed by the fact that I'm still going.  I'm in even more awe that I actually have readers and followers.  There are people who are interested in my mumblings - who knew?  There are people who leave comments and that totally blows me away.  For you to take time out of your busy lives to chat with me means more than any of you can ever know.  A few people who read and leave comments have turned into friends, a blessing I could never have hoped for when I first started into this.  

You all listen to my rants, laugh (or at least pretend to) at my silly stories, and give me a much-appreciated support system for what I do.  For a person who works alone it means so much to have all of you cheering me on and at times giving me constructive criticism that is also appreciated.  

I don't know how much longer I will keep mumbling but as of this moment I don't see me giving it up anytime soon.  As long as you stick with me, I'll do my best to try to keep you entertained.

 (For those who might be interested you can read my very first post HERE)

I read on one of the blogs about growing pumpkins as an indoor vine so I thought I'd give it a try just for the fun of it.  I planted 5 seeds and they've all sprouted (yay for my non-green thumb!!).  Now to see what will happen.

- THESE are a really cute Easter project!

- THESE would be sweet decorations for Easter.

- THIS caught my eye - from the standpoint of being a stash buster but also with the thought that making it longer would create a great draft dodger.  Might have to do some figuring to change the pattern directions to something we're used to.

- Further on stash busting, THIS also caught my eye.  As did THIS.

Today's quote..."Gossip dies when it hits a wise person's ears.  Rumors are started by haters, carried by fools, and believed by idiots"

3/4's

 I am almost ready to start on the final corner of The Quilt but again, I'll spare you the further photo update because it's still yawn-worthy and just more of the same.  

- THIS looks as though it would be a fun (albeit messy) project to try.

- I thought THIS artist has an interesting 'take' on working with fabric.

- Have a peek at the amazing work of THIS artist!

- THIS was interesting to read, and see.

- HERE is another technique some of you might like to play with.

Today the quote is from Linda Morman Stichtenoth..."I spent the first 2/3 of my life acquiring stuff that doesn't matter only so that I can spend my last 1/3 getting rid of it.  What a stupid game of consumerism we play"

Still slogging

 Half done the borders on the quilt....cause for celebration!!  I, however, will spare you yet another photo of what basically looks pretty much the same.  Third corner is basted and ready to stitch which I hope to finish this week.

- If you are planning to add borders to your quilt, check THIS out for a formula.  And THIS for sashings.

- THIS takes you to part one of a series of posts about making fabric collages.

- THIS is a rather cute little design for Easter.

- Have a peek through the amazing galleries of THIS artist!

- I can't find the original artist for THIS but it did make me laugh.

Slogging away

 Oh yes, it's a yawn a minute here at Chez Magpie where The Quilt is all-consuming it seems.  I've added the second corner and it's basted and hand stitching has begun.  See?....

I dunno about you but I do hate the silly time change thing.  It messes with so many people and serves absolutely no purpose any longer.  I know it did, back in war time, but now it's just plain a PIA.

And speaking of PIA's - I spent some time over the weekend perusing online bookstores  looking at books on making landscapes thinking I might add to my library.  Interestingly (or not so much, depending on your viewpoint of course) the books that are out there are mostly second hand (which is fine with me) but....and here's the thing....they're mostly pretty cheap anywhere in the world BUT here.  You can pretty much add $20 per book to the cost AND, oh, by the way, there's shipping on top of that - sometimes upwards of another $20 per book.  Needless to say my desire to add to my library was rapidly tamped down!  Gotta love living in Canada!  

And further on that particular subject, it's always astounding to me just how many online shops specify in no uncertain terms that they will NOT ship to Canada.  What's the matter with us?  Do we have a collective nation with body odor?  

There.  The soapbox is dusted.

And, never let it be said that this blog is anything but eclectic as this little frugal tip will attest.  Resident Chef was quite pleased with himself when he attempted to re-use some inner milk bags with his food sealer and discovered they work perfectly.  Will save on buying the smaller size refills for the Food Saver.  Thought I'd share in case any of you want to give it a try.

- Thanks to Canadian Needle Nana for the link to THIS pretty design.

- There's lots of ideas HERE for reusing denim.

- No instructions or info on who made it, but I thought THIS looks like a fun idea for a sewing room.

The quote of the day is the 5W's of Life:  WHO you are is what makes you special.  Do not change for anyone.  WHAT lies ahead will always be a mystery.  Do not be afraid to explore.  WHEN life pushes you over,  push back harder.  WHERE there are choices to make, make the one you won't regret.  WHY things happen will never be certain.  Take it in stride and move forward.

Another wee finish

 I had some yarn left over from the fusion quilt project and decided I would use some of it to make this little sweater for our wee grandie.  It will fit an 18 month old through to a 3 year old so she'll be able to wear it for awhile.  Heading for the Christmas box I think.

Pattern is HERE

PATTERN NOTE: The buttonholes aren't
all listed in the pattern.  There's one at Row 5
and I used those directions to add two more at
Rows 21 and 37

And...one corner is stitched on the quilt and now I'm working on creating something for the other corners.  I had contemplated making pillow shams and leaving the top of the quilt unadorned but I think I will opt for more flowers (primarily to use up the fabric!) and not bother with shams.  There might be enough left to recover the two throw pillows we have on the bed.

- I think THESE are really pretty!

- HERE is an idea you might like to try.

- THIS would be a great project for both kids and adults.

- Scroll down on THIS post to see why these caught my eye.

Today's quote...."Before you assume, learn the facts.  Before you judge, understand why.  Before you hurt someone, feel.  Before you speak, think"

The next section

I'm currently working on appliquing one of the floral sprays onto the quilt.  At this point I don't know what I'll end up doing on the other sides but I'm thinking that I might add more of the same.  Will have to do a test fit on the bed and then I might have a better idea.

- THIS takes you to a picture of an interesting method of putting quilts together.

- There's another 'awwww' moment HERE.

- Although THIS is technically created for jewelry, I think there's a myriad of other uses.

- THIS is a great upcycling idea.

This is your quote of the day..."Two things define you.  Your patience when you have nothing, your attitude when you have everything"

Holes

 Yes, there are holes in my fingers from the needle stitching all around this big applique for 'the quilt'.  Remind me why I ever thought this would be a good idea?

At least this part is done and dusted and now it's on to adding the floral spray(s) for the border...sort of.  It's not exactly a 'border' but I don't know what else to call it.  I have to also decide just how much I want to add and if I will need to make some more flowers.  

We got snowed on Friday night and into Saturday.  Resident Chef huffed and puffed and removed at least two feet from around our car.  Not exactly what he wanted to be doing with his life!  Sadly, they're calling for more on Monday.  Have I ever mentioned how much I hate winter?  Although, to be fair, this is the first real 'dumping' we've had this winter.  

- Making a set (or more!) of THESE would be a great stash buster.

- Have a peek through the creations of THIS amazing artist.  I'm so hoping our library can find a copy of her book because it looks very intriguing.  Be sure you check her other galleries as well.  

- I thought THIS was an interesting way to make a thread holder.  And HERE is another one.

- HERE's another 'awwwww' thing.

- THIS takes you to a short video that shows a great storage solution.

Today's quote..."If it's out of your hands, it deserves freedom from your mind too"

Alas and alack

 It seems there are no photos to share with you.  I know, the sheer audacity of it all.  However, in my defense, I've been (yawn) appliquing all that hexie 'thing' you saw previously onto the background.  The only break in the action has been the occasional blood letting (which I'm sure you would prefer to avoid the graphic evidence thereof).  Maybe, just maybe, later this afternoon I might progress on to adding the floral border.  I know...it's just a huge barrel of excitement here at Chez Magpie.  

We're getting our curb-side grocery order this morning and my wonderment at what they were planning to do to adhere to the current ban on plastic bags has been solved.  We will have to provide 'x-number' of green bins which we will have to 'trade in' for an equal amount of bins filled with groceries.  Sort of a one-in one-out sort of program.  We happen to already have 5 bins that we were using for various types of storage so have had to change things around so we can use them.  Will likely have to buy a couple more as time goes on.  

And, simply because the excitement just never ends - we're taking our income tax in this morning too.  I know I could do it myself but our tax preparer is good at figuring out how we can income split so it works for the most benefit and I simply don't want to do all that math.  What would take me a couple of days she can do in mere minutes.  

- There are some links HERE to some cute Easter projects.

- Have a peek at the amazing work by THIS artist

- And THIS one too.

- And HERE is another one

Another finish

 This cute little hat used up some more of my stash and is going in the Christmas box...

Pattern is THIS one.

- If you go HERE you will find all sorts of links to free tote bag patterns

- There's an 'awwww' moment HERE.  

- I'm putting THIS link here primarily for my own reference because I'm going to need to make some for the quilt I'm working on...at least I think I will, unless I can find something easier and better.

- Seeing THESE might be inspirational to some of you.

- I'm sure you all need to know how to do THESE!

Here is your quote of the day..."Reading can seriously damage your ignorance"