Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Packing

What could be better then a day spent quilting with friends who have the same addiction? Well, that is easy, TWO days!

I go with a bunch of friends, this weekend, for a quilt retreat. All our meals are provided and we get housekeeping services, so we can spend 2 blissful days, sewing, stitching, telling stories and admiring the finishes.

I got smart this time, and I am preparing my projects ahead, instead of throwing a bunch of fabric in a suitcase and hoping for the best.

I have cut and interfaced all the pieces for a Gerbera Wristlet. This is a free pattern from Blue Calla Patterns. Although the pattern is free, it is an astonishing 29 pages long! I think this is a great way to try a designer I have never tried before, to see if I like the instructions. There is nothing worse then spending $10 or more on a pattern that is poorly written.  I am liking this pattern, so far.

The pattern called for 2 pieces of fabric, a half metre each. I have used 2 fat quarters and some scraps. These pieces already have their inferfacing fused to the back. I discovered that fusing interfacing with an iron I don't know can lead to less then the desired result. Since interfacing seems to grow when it is fused, I have been trimming all the pieces first, so my waste basket overflows.

I think I need to do something about that.

Next to be prepped will be the Two-Timing Tote.  This was a sew along in the summer, which I gathered the supplies for, from my stash, but I didn't get started.

And, for my spare time, I have packed the supplies to make 6 pillowcases.

In case you were wondering, the kittens have been named.



From left to right, we have Angus, Fergus, and Hamish. Here they are with their new best friend.


It kind of spoils his tough guy image!



Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Elections and Socks

I spent Monday, hanging out in a local church, aiding the democratic process. Canada had an election, and I was a Poll Clerk. I heard a lot about how old fashioned the process was, and it is. Of course, no one has yet to develop one that is as secure as the process we use. Take two people, who don't know each other, place them at a table, and have each of them watch the other to make sure everything is done properly. Each of us have our own job, but we are each trained to do either job. We keep each other honest and there is no doubt of the secrecy or security of the poll. It is rather beautiful in its simplicity.

I love the election process. I think I have worked at 12 elections now. I love seeing young people cast their first vote. I love helping elderly people vote. My favourite is helping new Canadians vote for the first time. Many have come from countries where they couldn't vote. The smiles on their faces as they put their ballots in the box is wonderful. It makes me feel like I have a small part in making history.

Of course, some elections, there are long periods when we have nothing to do, so I take my knitting. That was not the case in this election. We were busy until the Blue Jays game started! However, I did get a bit of knitting done at the poll and more done yesterday, as I recovered.

My election socks.
I actually only got as far as the white stripe at the poll. This is the Turtlepurl yarn, I bought in Moncton.

On the weekend, I knit a pair of baby socks, because I could.

They are knit in My First Regia, using Kate Atherly's Baby Sock Pattern. I added a garter twist to the cuff.

Today, Feist, Royce, and Sterling went back to the shelter, to start their journey to adoption. They have been replaced by three tiny orange guys.



No names yet, but I expect they will be lots of fun.



Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Knitting Update

I haven't stepped into my sewing room since I got back from Moncton, but I have been knitting.

I have the first sleeve about half done, on Kindling. It is coming nicely.

I travelled with socks and I am trying to finish the pair. The second sock was just past the cuff when I left home.

These are SKYP socks. Pattern can be found here.
The rib has a very nice pattern to it.

I started these in the spring, and they got put on hold. With a bit of effort, I can probably finish them tonight. They will be going to the Christmas pile. It is a bit empty at the moment, so I need to get going.

Last night, we had Thanksgiving dinner, and Feist was helping with the after dinner cleanup.
"I'll be out in a minute, after I make sure there is cat hair on all the tea towels!"




Wednesday, October 7, 2015

An Eastern Adventure

I flew on Mr. Porter's Airline, to deliver my quilt from last week. It was a quick visit, with some fun thrown in.

On Saturday, my grandkittens were in a fashion show.

Don't they look excited about being in their Halloween costumes?

The weather was beautiful on Sunday, so we went Geocaching.

You can score a cache find if you manage to get a picture of the Tidal Bore coming in, with your GPS in the picture. The last time I was in Moncton, I missed the picture by about 5 minutes. This time, I got it.

The tidal bore is that light brown line, in the river, near the top of the picture.

I had the opportunity to have coffee with one of my quilting heroes, Karen Neary. I have made 3 of her patterns and she has made me love paper piecing (instead of fearing it).


Of course, I couldn't come home without some New Brunswick yarn.

Turtlepurl Yarns are dyed in Hillsborough, NB. I bought this skein at Cricket Cove in Moncton. The colourway is called Angry Birds.

It was a fun weekend. Now I am home, and back to my usual routine.