A Wasted Saturday

I waited at home yesterday for a Purolator delivery. At 5:00 I called the office to make sure I was not wasting my day. I was told that the package I had stayed home to receive did not make on the truck. Apparently Purolator doesn't have the capability to call customers to tell them that their package will not be delivered. I rescheduled the delivery for Tuesday night. I am now boycotting Purolator. Thankfully Indigo uses Canada Post and Future Shop's photolab has a store pickup option...

It's not that I had any great plans for yesterday. I was going to drop off several scarves and hats that my work knitting job had completed for the Street Knit Project. And I would have gone to get the papers while the news was still new.

I have been busy. I am finished knitting Trish's cardigan. I need to sew it together (my favourite part-please note the sarcasm). I am almost done hand quilting the Baby Brick quilt. I should get it done today, I hope. I may have to slack off on the housework to have the time required.

November is a busy month. Next weekend is our annual Royal Winter Fair trip. Then on the 23rd we will make our annual trek to the One of a Kind Sale. What I love about this is that both are at the CNE, in the same building. You walk through the Royal and you smell animals. It reminds me of the time spent at the riding stable. Then you go back two weeks later and the smell is completely different. It smells like flowers and incense. But too much because that would be icky.

As I write this I'm ordering more prints online for my work Christmas cards. I am six gifts away from being done my shopping. I have no idea what to get Cameron, Cassie, James and Olivia (I'm hoping the One of a Kind will have something). I know what I'm getting my Dad, I just have to find time to go to the store (as I'm boycotting Purolator). I have several ideas for Trish, but I'll wait to see if I find anything at the One of a Kind Sale. I still have gifts to make, but I think I will be able to avoid the stores during the Christmas rush.

I have not download any new photos in a while. I'll leave you a memory from the summer.



More later.

L

PS I'll try to take some photos of my current projects this week.

Nothing new

Another week has past. Not much is new. We are having a Halloween decorating contest at work. My group is called the "Smashing Pumpkins". It is cheesey. I'm working on our pumpkin this weekend. I cleaned it out already. Tomorrow I'll drill holes in it. A coworker is buying gummy worms that will be put coming out of the holes.

Knitting
I have finished knitting the front, back and sleeves of Trish's cardigan. I'm working on the collar now. The cardigan collar had 242 sts to start, so it is not TTC friendly. I started working on a hat and scarf set to work on during my commute to work.

My knitting group at work has finished about 14 scarves, 6 hats and 1 pair of mittens. I'm going to drop off our first batch next Saturday. There is still talk of a potluck

Quilting
I am still hand quilting the Baby Brick quilt. There are 12 rows and so far I have 5 rows quilted. I should get another 2 quilted this weekend.

Once Baby Brick is completed I can move on to the cat blankets. I have Amy Butler fabric for Calle and Kaffe Fassett for Trotsky. I'll take a photo of the fabric this week and post the photos next weekend.

More later.

L

Yes, I am obsessed with my holiday preparations

Hello. My name is Lesley and I'm addicted to my Christmas 2006 spreadsheet. There is something rewarding about updating the status of my gift list. Today I updated 6 items. I also ordered my Christmas cards online. They should arrive in 2 weeks. Then I need to sit down and write the ones that are being mailed. I can procrastinate on the others. Including my Secret Santa for work I have six gifts left to buy. Of course there five others I have to make. The moral of the story is that my plan is working (unlike Bush's Iraq plan).

No new photos today. Just more bragging.

I have been hand quilting the baby quilt. I have no idea how much longer it will take. I'm more a little less than half done. Then there is the binding to finish. Tonight during the hockey game I'll finish the sleeve for Trish's cardigan and have enough time to start the other sleeve.

Tomorrow is the Creative sewing and needlework show. I have to finalize my shopping list tonight.

I have to go rest for tomorrow. I'm meeting Allison at 10:15 at Union Station.

More later.

L

Is it Christmas Yet?

Okay, I'm close to being ready for Christmas. I need some time for knitting and sewing. But I have a well defined plan. Yes it involves a spreadsheet and colour. I'm still trying to figure out my Christmas card situation. I cannot find more of the photo cards, I may need to make a substitution.

Quilting
I basted the Baby Brick quilt yesterday. I started to hand quilt it last night. I was taking photos of it today, when...

I think Calle has confused Baby Brick with her Mish Mash. I have stopped working on Mish Mash to concentrate on the baby quilt. But I will start again once my holiday projects are completed (so early January). I have to prep the backing, baste then quilt...

Knitting
I have started Trish's cardigan. I have finished the back and left front so far. I bought the yarn last Friday and started knitting on Sunday during my trip to Bowmanville for Thanksgiving. I have been knitting on my commute to work and lunch hour. Now that I have started quilting the baby quilt, I'll work on that at night, instead of knitting.

Other Stuff-Yesterday, Trish and I went to see the Andy Warhol exhibit at the AGO. It was interesting. I knew of Warhol and some of his work, but I know have a better understanding of it.

Next Sunday, Allison and I are going to the Creative Sewing and Needlework Festival/Show. I still need fabric for Trotsky's blanket. I think my approach this year will be: This is what I need. Last year's was this is what I want.

Trotsky went to the vet on Friday. The Vet called with his blood work results. His blood glucose is in the normal range. His kidney function is still high, but it is much lower than before. He weights 12.9 lbs. Calle goes for her followup visit on October 31st.

Apparently the baby quilt will not quilt itself. I better get to work on it.

More later.

L

Accomplishments

Okay so it has been almost a month since my last confession, I mean post. Laziness is what has kept me from posting. I wish I could say it because I was waiting to have photos to post.

Quilting

This afternoon I finished Calle and Trish's Christmas stockings. I started them last weekend. I was able to finish the front and back of both. Today I sewed the front and back together and completed the cuff. Now I need to think of Christmas gifts to put inside them. But I have a few weeks for that!

This the stocking I made for Trotsky last year at the class Allison and I took at the Patchwork Porch.

This is the back of Trish's. There is a Christmas tree on the front.

This the front of Calle's. I still need to find buttons for the snowman's eyes. Her name is on the back.

Today I also had time to sew the borders on the Baby Brick quilt. I had not got enough fabric for the border, when I bought the batting and backing (I also got the fabric for the stockings that day). Fortunately Allison and Len went and picked up another 1/2 yard for me. Next weekend I'll baste the quilt and hopefully have time to start quilting.

Knitting

After work yesterday I rushed to Romni Wool to buy the yarn for Trish and Allison's sweaters. I was shocked when the guy (yes guy) at the check out was friendly. Maybe it was the longer hair I have (I have not been able to get in touch with my hairstylist to schedule a cut), or maybe he was lonely?

I'll start Trish's tonight while I watch the hockey game. It is a cardigan. I think this will the first sweater that I'll make using the yarn from the pattern. It is a nice yarn (10% cashmere). I'll take it with me to Bowmanville tomorrow. It is not a surprise since she picked out the pattern. I'll post some photos of it soon.

I have to finish Trish's sweater by November 16th. That is when I'm scheduled to start Allison's. So far I'm schedule for my handmade gifts. And well ahead of schedule for the store bought gifts (no Mom I'm not telling you what I got you!).

I'll leave you with a photo of the newest member of the family.

Here is Elizabeth (I still call her Rusty), my parents kitten. I think she is more trouble than my sister and I were.

More later.

Getting there

I finished the inside of the Baby Brick Quilt top yesterday. I need to get fabric for the border, binding and back (and batting too). I will get that on Saturday before Allison and Len's BBQ. I also need fabric for two Christmas Stockings and cat blankets. I need to get batting for Mish Mash. And then there is the yarn for Allison and Trish's Christmas presents. I have cut back on my Christmas knitting. Everyone is getting a present that they have to make. I thought I should give you some time to deal with this (I don't want to see my parents cry when they open their gifts). So much work, so little time.


We started the knitting group at work. Eight people came on Wednesday. We will meet every Wednesday at noon. We are knitting for the Street Knit Project. I found a few scarves and hats that I made previously and will add to the contributions.

Trotsky is doing well. I think he has adjusting to getting needles twice a day. It is easier with two people, but it can be done by one of us. Good thing he is such a laid back cat.

I have to go and update my Christmas 2006 spreadsheet.

More later.

L

Finally photos of Mish Mash and more

Sorry this has taken so long to post these photos, but dial up is slow...

This is the top of the Mish Mash. On the right is part of the inner border. I need to buy the batting, then I can complete Mish Mash and Calle can have her own quilt. Hopefully she will share it with me.

This is the fabric for the back. It seems calm in comparison to the front. I think I have enough of this to use as the binding (I hope I have enough, I bought what was left).

These photos are from for the Baby Brick Quilt from Kaffe Fassett's Muesum Quilt book. It is for Wendy and Jeff (Wendy is due in November). I have used the left over fabric from Mish Mash (so no you are not imagining a similarity). It is Amy Butler's fabric from her Freespirit line. I have yet to find her new Rowan line in stores here yet.

Well it is almost 11pm and I need to get my rest. Tomorrow is the Centre Island BBQ with work. I need to get in touch with Allison about when to meet.

More later.

Finally Saturday

My vacation ended and I had to go back to work on Monday. Why cannot I win the lottery?

Trotsky is getting better. When he went to the vet on Monday his blood glocuse level was 1.9. That is very low, dangerous low. The vet altered his insulin amount and we are adjusting the amount based on how much food he is eating (e.g. if he eats a lot he gets the full injection. If he eats half of his food, we give him a half dose).










Trotksy with the frog Allison gave him.










Calle at her most refined.

Gardening
The daylilies are done for the summer. I got a number of good photos. I also learnt a lot about photographing flowers this summer. I bought a book about nature photography while I was on vacation (Digital Techniques for Successful Nature Photography by Cub Kahn). Although it is a small book, it has a considerable amount of information. It describes the basics of photography (e.g. aperture and shutter speed). I have been experimenting with garden photos and cat photos.










One of the many daylilies.

Quilting
I finished the top of Mish Mash while I was on vacation. I have not taken any photos yet. I have the fabric for the back, but I need to buy the batting. I went to Niagara Falls last Saturday with Allison and Len. I should have gotten the batting while we were there, but I forgot to make a note of how much I need. I did pick up a 24 inch ruler and more asian fabric.

I need to get fabric for the cat blankets and Christmas stockings (I also need applique paper for the stockings). If I have time I may make a blanket for the latest addition to the family, Rusty.

Knitting
I think I have picked out a few possibilities for Allison's Christmas sweater. I think I'll let her decide which one she like best. It is no surprise that she is getting a sweater, since she more or less demanded one.

We will be starting the work knitting group soon. I have to finish designing the poster and writing the announcement.

Other Stuff
Next Saturday is the Citi Friends and Family Picnic at Centre Island. I have invited Allison and Len to join me.

I have started my Christmas shopping already. I think I am the reason why Indigo Books had increased sales in the second quarter. Yesterday a package arrived and I thought it was a gift I ordered (remember Indigo sells more than books). But it was Season 2 of Veronica Mars. Which is so much better. We are currently watching Season 1 of Slings and Arrows (www.themovienetwork.ca/slingsandarrows). Season 2 comes out on DVD in November. Season 3 is airing on TMN (the last episode is on August 28th) . Each season is 6 episodes long (around 50 minutes each). It is a very smart and funny series. We finished season 4 of Six Feet Under.

It is time to check on Trotsky.

More later.

L

Where has the summer gone?

I know there are more weeks of summer to come, but I have no idea where the past month and a half have gone.

At the beginning of July Trish and I met our friends Wendy and Jeff and their daughter Olivia at the St. Lawrence Market for a visit. We bought some fresh produce and had a picnic at the park on the other side of Bathurst. We made plans to do it again later this month.

That was until we found out last week two weeks ago that Trotsky has diabetes. He was at the Vet's office 5 out of 7 days. His blood glucose is being regulated by insulin. We give him two needles a day. He will need to receive insulin permanently. He has improved since Trish first noticed he was having difficulty walking. He goes back to the Vet's August 13th for another check-up. What they do is give him his morning insulin and monitor his blood glucose level every hour. After they are confident the insulin dosage is correct he will only have to go to the Vet's for 6 months.

Our summer trips have been cancelled to be home with Trotsky. The first three weeks are crucial while his insulin dosage is being adjusted.

Garden
Most of the daylilies are done blooming for the year. I got some good photos and some not so good photos. The not so good photos look good on the camera, but there seems to be a problem when I get them printed. I'll try printing one or two at home to see if the colours are any better.

We missed the Open Garden at We're in the Hayfield Now. It was last weekend. We really don't have room for more daylilies...

I'll post photos later.

Quilting
I'm on vacation as of 5 pm last night. I will be spending some of my time this week sewing (I hope to get the top of Mish Mash completed). I then need to find space to layout the backing and put that together. I have to buy the batting. Oh my, so much to do...

I started cutting the fabric for the Baby Bricks Quilt. Wendy is pregnant with a girl. I'm using leftover Amy Butler from Mish Mash. The pattern is from Kaffe Fassett's Museum Quilts.

I'm making the cats blankets for Christmas (one of September's projects). I'll use the block pattern from Mish Mash and make them 2 x2 with a 2 inch border. I also will make Trish and Calle Christmas Stockings like Trotsky's. I have these scheduled for October.

Knitting
I got official permission to organize a knitting group at work. We will knit for an organization called Street Knit Project (www.streetknit.ca). The scarves and toques we make will be donated to local homeless organizations.

I also have to knit a sweaters for Allison and Trish. That I'll start next month.

Other Stuff
We just finished watching season one of Deadwood (www.hbo.com/deadwood). I think my mother helped to write the profanity dialogue. It was very good. It is like the Sopranos set in the 1870s in a gold mining community. I have not seen a HBO series that I have not enjoyed. Oh wait I think Curb Your Enthusiasm is one of theirs. I saw the first few episodes and realized that if I didn't enjoy Seinfeld, I was not going to enjoy Curb. Revised statement: I have not seen a HBO drama series that I have not enjoyed.

We are now watching season four of Six Feet Under. Next on my list is Dead Like Me. Season 2 of Carnivale is out. Hopefully the video store across the street will get it in soon.

It is time for my visit with Trotsky to see how he is doing.

More Later.

L

Summary of the Weekend and more...

The Garden
Carnival Nights and Gilded Coral had their first blooms of the year yesterday. There are a few others that will be blooming soon. Overall the garden has been enjoying the rain (especially the tomatoes and the daylilies).

Gilded Coral

Carnival Nights

Quilting
I finished the inside of Mish Mash on Saturday. Next I’ll sew the outer border patches together. Then work on the inner border. My choice of backing has me re-thinking the binding. Okay there is no rethinking. What I have now doesn’t go with the backing. Back to the little store in Oakville.

Wendy and Jeff will find out if their second child is a boy or a girl in two weeks. The room will remain green. I was thinking of using Amy Butler fabric for a baby quilt. I love the colours and patterns in her fabric. The baby blanket will definitely not be a traditional baby blanket. I want it to be something that can be used years after she or he has outgrown the crib. I may use the pattern from Kaffe Fassett’s Museum Quilts (yes I did finally buy it-it was on sale at Indigo’s website). It’s a brick pattern with 3.5in x 7.5in patches. I think that would highlight the colours and pattern of the fabric.

In the next few weeks I will have to explore the two quilt stores that are near me (it’s all relative as all of my quilt supply shopping has happened in Niagara Falls, Oakville and Antigonish). I don’t think either of these new stores sells Amy Butler, so it may be safe. I think I’ll wait for my next payday.

Here is a photo of my sewing table

Knitting
I need to start thinking about Christmas gifts. Allison has put in her order for a sweater. I’ll sew Trish’s mom some potholders. I’m not sure yet what to get Trish. Maybe I’ll get Dad some woodworking tools, so he has something creative to do during those cold Cape Breton winters. Oh and a space heater for his workshop.

Maybe Allison and I can go in together to get Mom one of those elevator chairs, so it is easier for her to get to her studio. Actually what she needs is a design wall. I’ll have to send Dad the instructions so he can make her one.

Other Stuff
I spent some time at Allison and Len’s new house on Sunday. I wasn’t much of a help.

Next Saturday morning, Trish and I are meeting Wendy, Jeff and Olivia at St. Lawrence Market for a picnic. Sunday will be a day of rest (and the required housework).

More later.

L