GETTING ORGANIZED

We arrived in our southern home on Friday.  First stop was to buy a new refrigerator, as ours had died of old age over the summer.

I took the time, while waiting for delivery, to empty all the kitchen cupboards, wash them, and re-organize them.  I also pulled a few items that will never be used, to donate to a local garage sale.

After the refrigerator arrived, we headed out for our first shopping extravaganza.  I refuse to buy more than a cart-full, so we will have to return sometime soon, for all the items that were forgotten.

Our son and daughter-in-law sent a couple of pictures of the kids dressed for Hallowe'en.  Young Miss stayed home with a fever.  Our robot (costume by Dad), had to wear his winter coat under everything, but the paint that was used kept him pretty dry on a stormy night.

The fuel compartment collected all his goodies!

Today, DH and I cleaned the windows in the sunroom, AKA my sewing room.  I have slowly started to get items back into place.  I always struggle with the humidity when we arrive, so I work a little, relax a little, until everything is unpacked.  I'm anxious to get sewing, but know that I'm not 50 any more, and need to take my time.  I also ordered the knitting needles that I need to begin a large shawl project for our cousin, using their alpaca yarn - each natural colour is named after the animal who donated the fleece!

Back to work with the next load!

STASH REPORT AND OUR TRIP NORTH!

Used this week 0 yards

Used year to date 37.625  yards

Fabric added this week  14.75 yards

Fabric added year to date  68.5 yards

Net used 2019  -30 875 yards

 

Our trip north almost didn't begin.  Car was packed, house was locked, and car wouldn't start!  Went in to call AAA, and our phone had been put on seasonal hold already!  Got out our emergency cell phone and  called AAA and got a boost to start the car, then headed to Walmart to get a new battery.  We got on the road by noon instead of 8am!  We decided to cancel our first night's hotel reservation, and our stop in Athens GA at the botanical garden - that will have to wait for fall.  Managed to get to Orangeburg SC in time for bed!

Day two - the car was hard to start.  Luckily, there was a Chev dealer about a mile from our motel.  They found out that the new battery had a dead cell, and gave us directions to the nearest Walmart.  We were back on the road in about 2 hours.  The rest of the trip was fairly uneventful.  We enjoyed the redbud trees and dogwoods in bloom along the way, and reached Winchester VA.  Thank heavens for no more car problems the rest of the way!

Day three - we continued on the interstate until shortly after we reached Pennsylvania.  We meandered along Hwy 30, and our first stop was at the Sew n Place in Fayetteville PA.  I found some Hallowe'en fabric marked down, so picked up some for my grandkids future quilts.  + 4 yards!

 

Then we meandered to Zook's Fabrics in Intercourse PA - I had an email saying that they had fat quarters on sale for 99 cents!

More Hallowe'en and neutral fat quarters.
+ 4.75 yards!




It started to rain, so we headed to our hotel in Lancaster.  The rain had stopped by the time we headed out for our evening of dinner theatre.  We had a lovely dinner, and were entertained with a performance of Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat!  The cast was great, and we really enjoyed the childrens chorus!  DH booked a package at the Heritage Hotel, that included a full breakfast in the morning too!  We are hoping to stop on our way south in the fall.

Day Four we headed out to Denver PA to visit Burkholders Fabrics.  We enjoyed driving through the country, looking at all the lush green farms along the way.  The forsythia and daffodils were adding their colour to the scenery too!  I managed to choose 6 more yards of fabric to add to my collection!  I love the diagonal stripe - it will make great binding!  From there we headed north and finally got back on I-81.  We made a quick stop in Watertown NY, and then headed home, with a stop and welcome home at the Canadian border.  We were home in time to unload the van, and enjoyed a quick dinner before heading to bed.  

GETTING SETTLED

 We had a good trip south with rain the first morning, but clear sailing for the rest of the trip.  We drive past Orangeburg SC every time and finally took advantage of a stop to visit the Edisto Memorial Gardens.  
There were lots of roses blooming, so we strolled around, looking at all the wonderful colours.  There are raised boardwalk paths along the river, and many other features.  We plan to stop on our way north in the spring, to see what else is blooming in the gardens.  There was a crew working to put up the Christmas displays, so it should be wonderful during the holidays.

We have shopped both days since our arrival, getting the pantry and refrigerator stocked, along with cleaning products and filling a few gaps in our normal inventory.  I unpacked my totes of fabric, and two Rub.bermaid totes of "stuff".  the remaining 2 totes have quilting items that will be placed in my sunroom/studio for the winter.  First we have to do some cleaning in the screen room and sunroom, and rearrange some outdoor furniture etc.  My machine is going in for its annual "spa treatment" on Tuesday, so that will also give me more time to get things organized.

I've been debating on  Bonnie Hunter's mystery quilt this year.  The colours are intriguing, but we were on the road when they were announced, and I wasn't able to pull from my enormous stash!  Maybe I'll save the pattern and make it when I return north in the spring.

STASH REPORT SUNDAY - WEEK 44

 Fabric used this week  0 yards

Fabric used year to date  135 yards

Fabric added this week  27.5 yards

Fabric added year to date  91.25 yards

Net used 2015  43.75 yards

Our first day on the road was rainy and windy - with gusts strong enough to help us change lanes!  We made a stop at Sauder's Fabrics, only to find that the shop is closing soon, so the stock was lower than normal, and everything was 20% off!   They are moving the fabric to Zook's Fabric in Intercourse PA, but I think they will continue to use the website.

I had been asked to watch for baby quilt  panels for my community quilts group, and I found lots of the 36 inch wide panels, with the average price at $3.47!  I'm sure the convener will be please!  BTW, I'm not counting these, as they don't really belong to me!

The rest of the trip was great, with only a few traffic bottlenecks.  We also stopped at Mary Jo's Fabrics in Gastonia, NC.  I shopped for a variety of fabrics, mostly for the new quilt for DS2 and his wife, for their new king-size bed.  I also picked up some coordinating fabrics to help use a piece of fabric that has been in my stash for too long.  I found a cute panel for a growth chart, something the DS2 asked for for our grandson.

I took my sewing machine in on Saturday for its annual spa treatment, and DH dropped off a couple of speakers that have an intermittent problem, but are still under warranty.  

We did a huge grocery shopping today, finding most of the basics to stock our kitchen. 

DH began cleaning my sewing room.  It has vinyl windows, and they need cleaning after the summer heat and rain.  He has been busy, and I only need to wash the floor before unloading all my stuff, and getting organized, ready to sew.  I've been cleaning inside, and as usual, we keep finding items that we need to continue our work, so they go on the list.  I dislike shopping, and it seems that we shop every day for the first week or so......

Check out Judy's blog, Patchwork Times, to see how others have progressed this week!

READY TO TRAVEL

My sewing room looks too tidy!  I've packed my bags of projects, threads, tools, sewing machine, and everything but the kitchen sink according to DH!

He blames the full van on me, but it also holds golf clubs, 2 guitars, speakers, monitors, music stand, microphone, etc., for his hobby too!

We Skyped yesterday with DS2 and family. The made their first Jack'o'lantern yesterday too!  We'll call DS1 and family tonight.

I picked up some yarn yesteday, so I could knit on the trip, in between enjoying the scenery, reading, and maybe even some shopping along the way.  I had a call from a guild member asking me to watch for some specific items for the Community Quilts group too - darn......more shopping!

We still have to do our final load of laundry and clean out the refrigerator after dinner tonight, then off to bed for an early start in the morning...... 

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week 0 yards

Fabric used year to date  134.5 yards

Fabric added this week  0 yards

Fabric added year to date  63.75 yards

Net used 2015  70.75 yards

I spent most of the past week preparing some appliques for a blue and white wallhanging.  I also spent a day at my guild's community quilt workshop, and have started the quilting on one of the three quilts I brought home.  I have another one being delivered tomorrow!

Today, DH and I headed to Upper Canada Village in the Morrisburg Ontario area.  This weekend was their celebration of an 1860's fall fair!  They had a tent with exhibits, farm animals being shown, entertainment, including a beard contest!  There was also a quilt display, with quilts from 4 or 5 area guilds (mine included).  The had snacks for $0.50 - whole wheat bread, and cheddar cheese made in the village, along with fudge, lemonade, apple cider, etc.

We have visited this living historic site many times over the years, and it was fun to stop in at our favourite places - the schoolhouse, the broom maker, and the tinsmith.  I found out that they have summer camp for kids there in the summer.  They dress in period clothing, and attend school for 1 hour each day, then do chores in their "home" or at their "farm", sleeping in dormitories at night. I think I'll keep this in mind for our grandson in 9 or 10 years!

Check out everyone's progress at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week 0 yards

Fabric used year to date  83.125 yards

Fabric added this week  0 yards

Fabric added year to date  67.75 yards

Fabric used year to date  20.375 yards

 

I've been AWOL for a while, relocating north for the summer.  We had a safe trip, although the final 2 days were gray and overcast.  We stopped at the Martin Guitar factory in Nazareth PA on the way home - great museum and free factory tour - well worth the stop!

I still have one more tub to unpack, as well as my sewing machine.  I'll also have to unpack fabric and find a place for the quilts I brought home, until they go to their new homes.  We picked up enough groceries to manage for a few days, and I hope to be back sewing tomorrow!

Our van was so loaded that I passed on visiting some fabric shops in the Lancaster area - I wasn't sure where we would put any additions!  We can always head that way next fall...... when I have a list!

Next weekend we are visiting DS2 and his wife, so I can hold my grandson for the first time!!!!!!

 

Check out all the reports shared at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

FABRIC REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  0 yards

Fabric used year to date  0 yards

Fabric added this week 37 yards

Fabric added year to date 37 yards

Net used 2015   -37 yards

We left our southern home on December 28, and returned on January 10th.  We headed to the cold and snowy north to help our son and daughter-in-law, (8 1/2 months pregnant),  move into their new home.  We had a great time, lots of hard work, lots of helpers, lots of laughter.  I love spending time with family!

That is my excuse for not sewing.  Of course, we stopped at a couple of quilt shops along the way.  At one, I hit the motherlode of older quilt panels, so I stocked up for my guild's community quilts program.  I also ordered the backing for a quilt, so that will get used soon.  I've spent this morning catching up on mail, bills, and filing, and will follow with laundry this afternoon.  That way, I can get back to sewing ASAP!

Check out Judy's blog, Patchwork Times for more fabric reports!

HEXAGON FRIDAY

I'm a little late posting, but better late than never!

 

I managed to get several units stitched while driving south, although it was slow going, with all the bumps along the way.  There was lots of construction on our travels!
We arrived "home" Friday afternoon, and were greeted by several of our southern neighbours.  We are early this year, so there are still many homes closed up, but people are arriving daily.  We unloaded the van, then made a grocery run, and ate dinner at home!  DH and I get tired of eating out very quickly, so we had a simple dinner of steamed green beans, sweet potato and roasted chicken (I did cheat and buy it already cooked!)
I've been unpacking all morning, while DH began the clean-up outside.  He likes to get all the siding washed, along with our screen room so we can get it all "livable".  Tomorrow I'll help clean the windows in the sunroom, aka my sewing room, then after a good vacuum and a floor wash, I'll be able to unpack the remainder of the sewing stuff.  DH does have to alter my sewing table - my new machine has a much bigger footprint, and I like the machine to be set into the table so I have a level surface for machine quilting - it makes such a big difference!
Now back to unpacking, dusting, rearranging etc.

TOUCHING BASE

DH and I are on the road.  We stopped in Gastonia NC this morning for a quick trip to Mary Jo's Fabrics - I-85 Exit 21!  Then off to Charleston where DH's new 12 string electric guitar was waiting to hitch a ride south!
We ended the evening in Savannah GA, and after dinner, headed over to the Savannah Historic Theatre on Bull St. where we enjoyed "Savannah Live!"  We'll be back on the road in the morning.....

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week 0 yards

Fabric used year to date  147.5 yards

Fabric added this week  11.625 yards

Fabric added year to date  47.125 yards

Net used 2013  102.375 yards  

Our trip to Indiana found us in Amish country on a Sunday, when almost everything and everywhere is closed.  So as a consolation, DH took me to two quilt shops in Michigan on the way home.  We had crossed at Windsor/Detroit on the way down.  Getting through the border caused a long wait, and the roads on I-75 south were dreadful.  So on our return trip, we travelled I-69 and crossed at Port Huron/Sarnia.  It was much better, and didn't add any time to our trip.

We stopped at the Michigan welcome centre and DH picked up a copy of The Country Register.  There were excellent directions to Country Stitches in Lansing MI.  The shop was huge!  They had 3 large classrooms, a huge selection of sewing machines, tons of fabric, and even lots of 1/2 price sale fabric.  There were wonderful quilts displayed everywhere, and the staff was friendly and helpful!  I love striped fabric, especially for bindings, so I got 1/2 yard of two different ones.  The alphabet fabric was on sale, and the crayon fabric had to come home as well.  DH found the multicolour print and said I'd have to get some for my applique work!  I also picked up a cute panel to make a baby quilt - adding it to my collection....

The next shop was at Imlay City MI, called the Pincushion.  It was a smaller shop, but had lots of fabric, including a large selection of panels.  I don't usually buy kits, but this Noah's Ark  quilt caught my eye.  They only had one panel left, but none of the matching block fabric, so a kit came home with me.  There was lovely linen-look fabric in white and cream, so 2 yards had to come home for future red-work.  DH also spotted a beautiful Christmas panel by Timeless Treasures that made the trip as well.  I have a quilt that I hang outside on our home in Florida, and it has finally faded so much ( after hanging for a month every year for the past 15), that it needs to be replaced.  I'll use some of my Christmas stash for backing and binding, so its a real bonus!

I received a call from the dealer about my new machine, and as he'll be coming to my town next week, he'll be delivering it, to save us the trip!!!!  Next Thursday morning, I'll be learning all the ins and outs of my new machine.

Check out all the stash reports at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

Nothing to show today - I don't even have a sewing room yet!
DH has been busy cleaning the outside of the sunroom, then he has to clean up the garden and install all the buildings etc., for the garden railway.   Then the cleaning begins on the inside before I can get my sewing room up and running!

After leaving Mary Jo's, we headed to Charleston SC.  We drove down the Ashley River road, and checked out a couple of plantations, but it was too late to really enjoy a tour.  We found our way to "California Dreaming" for dinner.  It is located in an old armory, and has great water views and fantastic food.

After 2 days on the road, we enjoyed a quiet, relaxed meal, while watching the water and boats on the river.

 DH remembered to take a picture of my salad after I had eaten almost half!

Our morning cruise to Ft. Sumter took us past some gorgeous homes along the harbor wall.

The fort is imposing, with the remaining 25 foot walls.  It must have been a sight to see when the walls were twice as high!

We enjoyed the talk by the park ranger - we knew its history during the Civil War, but learned a lot about its constructions, and many interesting details.  The item that was in the shortest supply during the siege, was sewing needles!  They only had 6, and needed to sew the bags holding the gun powder for the cannon charges.  Can you imagine how dull those needles were at the end of the siege!

This picture was taken while standing in the remains of the officers' quarters, looking across the fort.

The effort to restore the fort has been a huge undertaking.  The museum display was well done, and we enjoyed our morning.

We headed out of town and stayed in Brunswick GA.  From there it is about a 4 hour trip to our southern home.  We were greeted by our neighbours upon our arrival, and just as DH was  unloading the final Rubbermaid tote from the car, a florist truck pulled up with a beautiful arrangement, sent by SDIL2, with a note saying "Happy Mothers-in Law Day"!

I called her right away to thank her for such a lovely surprise!  Now off to unpack more stuff!
Head over to the Patchwork Times to see what others are creating this week. 

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Used this week  0 yards

Used year to date  197 yards

Added this week 16.25 yards

Added year to date  141.125 yards

Net used 2012  55.875 yards

 

 We had an uneventful trip south - just some areas of construction with the highway down to one lane.
There was fog and misty rain through NY and PA, but cleared when we arrived in Virginia

We stayed in Salem the first night, and were greeted by the sunrise over the blue ridge.  

 

The sun brought out the colour of the fall leaves as we wove our way along I-81, then turned south on I-77

 

 

Our first stop of the day was at Mary Jo's in Gastonia.  For those who haven't visited here it is located along I-85 at exit 21!

The new entrance has had a facelift since our last visit.

 

 

 

The store has been slightly re-arranged and all new daylight bulbs installed in the light fixtures!    The selection was awesome, and I managed to find just the right fabrics for the backing on two of my projects, as well as some solid black so I can play with some bleach resist this winter.  My SDIL2 loves dragonflies, and some more fabric plus a coordinate also jumped into my arms - have to plan a project for her birthday!  Those fabrics accounted for my 16.25 yards added to my stash, but hopefully, just a temporary blip!

 

 

For more stash reports, head over to Patchwork Times. 

SONNENBERG MANSION AND GARDEN

Throughout the mansion there were manikins with period dresses.  It certainly helped take us back to the days when the summer home was built.

They also had photographs taken in the early 1900's, showing how the house was decorated.

This is the minstrel gallery that overlooks the great hall.  I can picture a small band playing while people are dancing below....

I loved the cutwork and embroidery on this summer outfit.  It had a parasol to protect the wearer from the sun!

These dresses remind me of the Great Gatsby!

 

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Used this week  0 yards

Used year to date  193.24 yards

Added this week  1 yard

Added year to date  122.875 yards

Net used 2012  70.375 yards

I was busy sewing this past week, but as nothing is finished, nothing is counted!  

DH and I decided to run away for a few days, so we headed across the border to the Rochester NY area.  We took our time and drove along many side roads, driving through small towns along the way.  We are staying in Victor NY, a small town southwest of Rochester.

To my surprise, the quilt shop in town was part of a shop hop this weekend,  mostly with shops between here and Syracuse!  I was very good, and only picked up 4 fat quarters of black and white prints for our Godson's 13th birthday quilt, due in February.

I did pick up some fabric for 2 friends - one looking for backing for 3 of her sets of placemats that will become Christmas gifts, and some "Cars" themed flannel to back a quilt for another friend.

I wasn't planning on quilt shop visits on Sunday, but the shop hop participants are open until 4 tomorrow, so I may have to check out one or two on the way home.

Saturday we visited Sonnenberg Mansion and Gardens in Canandaigua NY, next to one of the finger lakes.  The gardens were waning, but there were lovely annuals and a bit of fall colour.  

A few roses were still blooming too.  There was a short rain shower when we were inside, and everything smelled fresh during our visits to all the different gardens.
 
The mansion is open on the first and second floor, and was a grand summer home.  There were formal gardens and garden rooms throughout the estate.  There was even a Japanese tea room with special gardens surrounding the small structure.  The "Roman Bath house" swimming pool, is currently in disrepair, but they are receiving a grant to repair some of the structure.  At its height, there were 78 servants, from maids to groundskeepers.  Find a Smilebox album of the mansion here.
Check out all the stash reports at Judy's blog.

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

This is laid out on my design floor!  I finished the 48 blocks of half log cabins, and after playing with EQ7, decided on this layout.  I have sewn the seams in one direction, and the others are pinned, but I haven't finished them yet.

Sunday we headed off to Kitchener for the final wedding dress fitting.  This is the first time the bride has seen the dress completed except for the hem, and she was really excited.  I pinned the lining hem up out of the way before heading out, and was able to find a good length and pin the hem.  She practiced walking in the floor length dress, and had no problems with her shoes/hem.  Her shoes have a buckle on the side and a decoration on the top, and I wanted to avoid any small catches on either.  We had a good visit, and DH took DS2 out to pick up some groceries before we left, while I had a lovely chat with the bride, who is fighting a cold.  I also found a solution to the "something borrowed, something blue" tradition (she already has the something old and something new).  I hunted through my dresser and found some old hankies that had been given to me by my Grandmother.  One had some blue embroidery, so it will fit the bill!

We made a short stop in Toronto, to check out some items at a kitchen shop, then had another uneventful trip home - 12 hours door to door.  Good thing DH doesn't mind the drive!

Today I'll be back in wedding dress mode.  I also want to make her a small drawstring bag, using leftover satin and lace, so she can carry some essentials on the big day. 

Check out all the creativity at Judy's Patchwork Times

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

I had not done any quilting since we arrived home!  Too busy unpacking, grocery shopping, working on the wedding dress, catching up on mail, bills, etc.  Saturday was no different!  Baked bread, caught up on the laundry (darn time of use billing!)

Saturday afternoon, I just had to sew something, so I pulled out my overflowing bins of 2 inch strips, and took out everything that was blue or neutral with a small design.  Before I knew it I had 13  blocks completed!

Sunday, we were on the road at 6:45, heading for Kitchener.  We managed to sail through Toronto, and arrived around 10:30.  Had a cup of tea and a fresh baked scone with DS2, then did a fitting on the dress.  I have to take it in in several places (I always err on the large size when altering a pattern).  I was worried that I had made the dress too long - I had lengthened the waistline by 1/2 inch, and added 4 inches to the length of the skirt.  I should have trusted my initial measurements, as I'll have enough length for the hem, with just a bit of trimming!  Once the important part was finished, we sat with them both and discussed wedding plans.  They seem to have things well in hand, but we were interested, and offered some suggestions.

Soon it was time to head out, so we called DS1, to let him know we were on our way.  Made it into Toronto in no time, and had a great visit with him and his wife.  She has just finished her courses in editing - she is changing her career field.  She is in the process of looking for some unpaid internships in the field.  They are undergoing renovations of their bathroom by the landlord.  It was supposed to take 1 week, but they just finished the end of week 2, with no end in sight!  DIL works at home, and has to deal with no water etc., each day!  I think they are working on finishing the drywall this week, which will mean tons of dust everywhere, no matter how careful they are.  I'm sure she'll be happy when it is finished.

I have to change hats now - returning from "quilter" to "wedding dress maker".  Check out all the wonderful things on others' design walls at Judy's Patchwork Times!  

DAY FIVE - HEADING NORTH AGAIN

DH and I had fun at the Cincinnati Quilt Show!  Here's the entrance to the convention center.

They had this quilt with banner set up by the entrance, and even provided a volunteer to take pictures with your camera.  We decided to let the quilt do all the talking.
 

This project was made by local quilters, with each panel depicting a favourite place in Cincinnati.  It continues in the next picture.

 This sign was displayed over 2/3 of the quilt displays, so we only have a few more pictures of the quilts on display.  I will say that they were mostly "art" quilts, and I missed the more traditional quilts.  
The "art" quilts were 
wonderful and very creative.

I picked up a few spools of thread at the Superior booth - I had already placed 2 large orders over the winter.  I also got some extra bobbins for my Juki.  Other than that, I did little shopping, although I did do lots of touching and drooling!

We left the area and headed north with a few stops along the way.  We'll cross the border into Canada tomorrow, and have a quick visit with DS2 and future DIL along the way.  (I have to get the measurements for the wedding dress).  Hopefully, I'll be sleeping in my own bed tomorrow night!

DAY FOUR - CINCINNATI OH

We started our day with a leisurely breakfast, then headed out to explore.  Our first stop was at Hauck Garden.

We missed the daffodils, bit the azaleas were blooming, and everything was so lush and green!

 Our next stop was the Cincinnati Art Gallery.  They are restoring this old building to incorporate it into the newer building.

DH was interested in the architecture of the building.  The art was amazing, and we had a wonderful visit.  There was a choir singing in a two story hall and the sound was amazing.  There were also many school groups visiting, and it was great to see the enthusiasm in all the kids.

  Our final stop before heading to the quilt show, was the Krohn Conservatory.  The rain forest was lush and green and the misters were working overtime!

The waterfall was adding to the moisture in the atmosphere.  There were silvery water droplets on all of the leaves.

Then we made a visit to the orchids - I'm always amazed at the variety!

Finally we went to the desert area, with wonderful cactus, agave and other succulent plants of all description.

One of the large areas was closed as they were preparing for the butterfly exhibit that will be opening soon.