It's Halloween, Already

 This staying home really seems to make time do weird things. My goal to post once a week has again failed. Oh, well. 

My old friend, Bear, is modelling one of the 12 Halloween masks I made as Halloween gifts.

Here are some more of them.

I also made gift bags and filled them with some Halloween goodies. I almost forgot to take a picture.

That bright striped fabric was hiding in my stash, having last been used to make costume elements for one of my sons for a school play. Been resting for a while. It turned out to be an excellent match for the fabric. 

The bag fronts and many of the masks are from two panels from Ruby Star, called "Candy, Please". I like that the one panel was four fat quarters from the line. I hope more companies choose this method. It makes fabric easier to buy and store.

A friend of very long standing (we met in kindergarten) asked for a pair of baby socks for her granddaughter. That was an easy request to fill. However, there was still some space in the envelope so I added a couple of other things.

I hope she and her granddaughters enjoy a little treat. Masks and hand sanitizer pouches seem like odd gifts to show one cares, but it is the current way.

Meanwhile, this is my setup for church on Sundays. The computer connects to Zoom, the tablet holds the order of service, then I have my sock knitting and my tea. My book club setup is much the same. This is how we gather in groups, now.

Thanksgiving Sunday

 It is a year when it is a little harder to be thankful, however, we are all safe and warm, and for now, that is enough. I will be thankful for that.

I had one of those weeks when creativity was hard to find. My most creative endeavour at one point was sweet potato dog chews.

You slice sweet potato thin and dry the slices in the oven at a very low temperature. Unlike some baking projects, the point is actually to turn them into shoe leather. You can buy them at the store, already made, but this way is cheaper, especially on a chilly day. The plate was full, so obviously they were a hit.

I started a sock for my little guy.

Just a plain vanilla sock, not much creativity, here (just warm feet).

Then I watched a video from Just Get It Done Quilts, where she suggests sewing your scraps together as a way to get your creativity going. So I grabbed a bag of scraps and did this.

Not anything great, but they are big enough to make a couple of zippered bags. After you apply some interfacing, I expect they will be fine. It also raised my spirits and got me thinking.

I went into my closet and found a Christmas table runner, in need of a batting and backing. Of course, since I was on a roll, I pieced the batting from some scraps, and found the backing, that was already to go.

It is now batted and backed, and in need of a bit more quilting. I'm sure it won't be hard to find it a home.

While I was in there I found more potential Christmas gifts, in need of a bit of work. I guess I have my projects for the week.

Autumn Glory

 I went for a walk, the other day, when the weather was perfect for taking pictures. I actually remembered my camera, so I will share some with you.

This is on the multiuse trail through the park behind my street.

This is the Alice Wilson Woods. It is a place where the Canadian Shield pops up above the ground. The land has been turned into park with hiking trails where we can walk. (Alice Wilson was the first woman to hold the job of Geologist in the Canadian government, and one of the first two women to become Fellows of the Canadian Geographical Society.) 

A tree doesn't change colour all at once. This one seems to be conflicted. I feel the same way about autumn. I, too, want to keep one foot in summer.

This one was striking with its bright colour against the cloud.

This smoke bush is a perfect compliment to the maple beside it. 

The leaves have started to fall, so the cleanup will come next. We enjoy the colours while we can.

My friend Corina finished her Maker Case as well. Corina and I had a couple of video sewing days together to make these. I think she did a very good job.

I love sewing with friends. so I will be doing a video sew day again, soon.