MAGPIE'S MUMBLINGS

A blog about my interests, which include fabric landscapes and various and assorted other artsy pursuits and sometimes known to contain mumblings of a random nature.

Monday, September 01, 2025

Hurry Up And Wait mode

 Yes, I'm suffering from a case of Hurry Up and Wait.  We spent much of the weekend re-thinking our pictures and where things will either be hung (or if they'll stay in the same place...or....even stay at all) and the RC has been flitting about with a tube of 'filler' and some sandpaper.  Much thought has been given to how we can remove as much 'stuff' as possible out of the way of the painter...not an easy feat when this place is small and already filled with 'stuff'.  The air conditioner has been put to bed for the winter (waaaaaaah) and our lemon plant/tree has been moved back inside.  It loves the balcony and will no doubt show her displeasure with the move by shedding leaves.  


We don't have a date for the painter to come but have instead left it that if he has a couple days when he can't work outside he'll arrive.  That means we have to be as ready as possible.  Last week we made a trip to JYSK and got new curtains for our bedroom and the sewing studio.  Their idea of 'room darkening' and mine are worlds apart but at least they cover the windows and are in the same green as the paint in the rest of the apartment will be.  I also invested in several new plants to replace the ones that I've managed to kill over the summer (why, I don't know, but I lost at least ten all at once....must have been something in the water, maybe?).  

....The Resident Chef is more than happy with the new kitchen cupboard and has commented on it at least a dozen times a day.  

....Have you priced canning jars lately?  We want to revamp our spice storage system and have decided to use small canning jars which have, I think, doubled in price.  Ouch.

....I'm still working on the cross stitched postcards but rather than bore you with seeing them individually I'll wait and show them all completed.  Don't hold your breath though because it's going to be awhile.

....And speaking of breath holding and hurry up and waiting - I'm still waiting for the fabric for my fusion quilt to arrive.  Serves me right for wanting a line I have to preorder...and now I wonder, with the latest round of the Orange Idiot's tariffs, if it will even come at all.  I ordered it from a Canadian store but no doubt it originates in the US.  

- THIS is a fun bag that would make a really nice gift. And while you're there, check out all the other free projects beginning HERE.  

- THIS is an interesting technique...reminds me of temari.

- I like how THIS artist combines fibre and wood into her creations.

- Something HERE might spark some ideas for your own work.

- And THIS is a nice project too.

Today's quote...



16 comments:

  1. Anonymous10:36 AM

    All fabric is made in China. They wiped out the fabric industry in the US. Not everything can be blamed on my great President.

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    1. Actually not all fabric is made in China - there is one company here in Canada, but sadly they don't make the fabric I want.

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    2. Anonymous - that simply isn't true - your favorite search engine will list MANY fabrics that are NOT manufactured in China, including fabrics made in the USA (despite the "they" [i am assuming you mean profit-driven big corporations] shipping thousands and thousands of manufacturing jobs overseas because they didn't/don't want to pay living wages to blue collar workers)

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    3. Here in Canada it's difficult to buy 'made in Canada' fabric because there's not much to choose from. Another issue is that most online stores don't list point of origin for their fabrics (although I suppose sending them an email is an option). In this case I fell in like with these particular colours and have no clue where they are made. When it's taking so long to get stock I'm assuming the US might be involved somehow.

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    4. Anonymous9:15 AM

      While I agree that America is far from perfect AND it’s true that we are going through a very unsettling time with decisions that are being made by our administration, it’s very disappointing to hear your comment assuming that the US is to blame for your delay in receiving your fabric order. It’s entirely possible that you are correct in your assumption, however, it’s also possible the delay is because of this fabric being a “preorder “ which could mean the fabric line had not been released at the time you ordered it. I believe every country in this entire world of ours has pros and cons and anyone that believes their country is without problems is sadly mistaken.
      I have enjoyed your blog for several years and appreciate the hard work and hours it takes to make each post an enjoyable and informative blog. I have, however, missed the inspirational quotes that seem to have disappeared in favor of political quotes. When you started adding the Ukrainian flag to your post, you stated that you didn’t want to make it a political forum, but that too seems to have changed, even though that flag is no longer there. I wish you the best in your future endeavors.

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    5. I'm sorry that you are no longer liking my mumblings and feel the need to step away. I completely understand and bear no grudge (although I am somewhat curious to know who you are). In Canada we find the tariffs are causing all sorts of problems, as I know they are throughout the entire world, including the US. I am not, however, blaming the US for the slow delivery of the fabric (because I did note, earlier, that I know it's a pre-order and thus will take longer to arrive due to that fact). Canadians, and I know many other countries, are trying to put our own country first and attempt to purchase as much as we can from our own companies...something I know the US is also trying to do for themselves. It's understandable and, in the long run, might not be such a bad thing.
      I agree that I did say that I didn't want this blog to become overly political. However, I have come to the realization that complete apathy over what's happening is also a form of acceptance. If we accept what we know is wrong and refuse to stand up for what's right, then we become part of the problem. My inclusion of the Ukrainian flag as well as their national flower is my way of showing my quiet support for what they're going through. You have made me aware that, when it comes to quotes, I need to show a better balance and I will attempt to do that going forward, so thank you for pointing that out. In regard to this becoming an overly political blog I still do not plan to post any rants, despite wishing to do so many times, but will continue to include some quotes as well as the flag.
      I wish you well too and thank you for your comment.

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  2. I don't do canning so I don't know how much the jars cost, but I am certain they have skyrocketed like everything else. Perhaps a thrift store or dollar store would be a good place to get them.

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    1. I would love to go the thrift store route but I know it would probably take years to accumulate the number of jars the RC wants to replace. Oh well, it will be a one-time investment!

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  3. I really like the flower press idea, not that I dry flowers. Also liked the bag, but it uses 3 yards of fabric which is a lot.

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    1. I've dried flowers before but not in many years. I know some people like to use a press though. As for the bag - I thought it could be cobbled together with stash.

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  4. You are definitely in "hurry up and wait" mode with that re-painting coming..;000
    That is one scary quote!! Unfortunately, way too true for us here..
    .and, don't get me started on the tariffs!! :(((((((((((
    Hugs, Julierose

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    1. Yes, I'm hurry up and waiting for the painting AND my fabric to arrive. And yes, don't get me started on the tariffs either, too much to even think about.

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  5. All the preparation and moving of furniture etc will be worth it when you have lovely newly painted walls. It's my observation that canning jars have always been expensive but as you say, well worth the initial investment. As for the quote.... here's to people power!

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    1. I'm hoping all the upheaval will be worth it in the end. I always worry about choosing paint colours and hope I haven't made a huge mistake and end up with something we hate. There's a fine line between hating it and loving it - and being too careful with the colour choice.

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  6. I just bought some half-pint canning jars this week (for relish). I forgot that Meijer puts their jars on sale every year about this time - they were 40% off! I would have bought more, but I snagged the last of the half-pints - think I paid just over $8.00 for a dozen. And I found some Superb brand lids at Walmart that were a less expensive than Ball lids. I had just seen a good review of them, so I was excited to get them as inexpensively as I did. But yes... overall, I am just shocked at how expensive canning jars and lids have become. That said, I'm imagining they may be more expensive where you are.

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    1. A case of half-pints is over $20 here, but luckily they were on sale for $14.99. Glad they came with lids because I'd hate to add the cost of those on top of it. I am going to have to buy some more lids though when it comes time to make our zucchini relish.

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Thank you so much for leaving comments! I appreciate you taking the time out of your busy life to talk to me. It's wonderful to know that someone is actually reading my mumblings and even more fun if I can connect with you and visit your blog.