First Day of Spring

Today is the first day of Spring, it felt like it would never get here. I'm getting ready - been putting my favorite things on my deck again. Got the picket fence out (it keeps Quahog from getting down the back stairs) and put my iron planter up against it.  I only get sun on my deck til around 1:00 so these flowers will do the trick... they don't require sun. Hope your first day of Spring is a wonderful one.

Kindness Matters

This is just a little wall hanging - door banner that Lola made awhile ago. In the past few weeks its become very popular. It has a phrase embroidered on the bottom that I really like..... "Kindness Matters".

Something I didn't know.

On Saturday, I went to the Bear Patch " Sleep in your own bed" retreat. It's one day when I am not working, just sewing and playing like everyone else. Debbie and Laurel put on a wonderful event. We had food that was homemade, wonderful gifts, lots of laughing, chatting and the most sinful chocolate cake ever!!!

I learned a few things that I want to pass on. Some of you probably already know this, but I didn't.

How often do you change the needle on your machine? I think most of us wait until we break it. You're actually suppose to change your needle at least every 8 hours of sewing. (if using batiks, every 6 hrs). That's the rule of thumb but, the best plan is to change your needle every 8 hours or when you start a new project.

Needles are inexpensive,  the average needle costs between .75 &  .85 cents. When broken down like that, it really doesn't make sense not to change them often.

How often do you clean the lint out of your machine and oil the race hook? Once again, I don't take the bobbin case apart very often and I never think of oiling it. I will say that I do oil my Featherweight quite often, but my Bernina I never have. Someone told me it was self oiling so it was not necessary... I think they meant the actual machine not the race hook.

With the cost of repairs on machines these days, it seems foolish not to take the time to do this little bit of maintenance. It won't take you long and will keep your machine humming along properly.

So, at the beginning of each project, clean all the lint out of your machine, oil your race hook and change your needle. In the long run I think you'll be glad you did.

Thank you Laurel and Debbie for sharing these tips. I hope they will be helpful to some of my customers and friends as well.

First sign of Spring...

Need I say more....

Please don't feed the Owls.

Please don't feed the Owls... they're just hangin' around in their tree.

Becky has made 5 more sets of Night Owl Pot Holders. What better way to display them but in a tree.  This photo doesn't do the tree justice. It's the cutest display in the shop. Whooooo knew they would be so popular. Most of the kits are available in the shop... the others are being put together and will be in the shop on Monday.

Proud Beginners...

Tonight was the final night of Beginning Quilting. Three of the ladies had their quilts totally sewn together. This is Linda with her version of Lola's pattern.  They each chose their own setting. Nice choice Linda!!

A proud Anita with her first quilt... and you have every right to be. I love the star center.

Sue's quilt is made with sunflower print fabric. Excellent choice of setting and a job well done.

 

Hard to believe that 5 weeks ago these quilts were just yards of fabric on bolts. Lola once again did a wonderful job of teaching.  I know the ladies enjoyed their first quilting experience, they already have a special class scheduled to continue on with another project. I look forward to seeing them all again, they were a fun group and as you can see - talented.

Good Morning - Springtime.

Woke up this morning to a wonderful Sunny day. Last night was Day Light Savings so at midnight, we sprang forward.

I just took a refreshing walk with Quahog. We haven't been able to do that since late November. Boston Terriers don't handle cold or heat well, so we avoid both.  After a few minutes into our walk I realized  we're both out of shape. I knew I was, but really didn't give it much thought that he could be. I guess sitting around all winter and eating lots of treats has turned him into little butter ball.  We won't use any descriptions to describe me.. lets just go with out of shape.

Ok, time for a plan. I know my time is always limited and my hours at the shop are erratic, so I'll have to work around them.  Quahog loves to go outside and walk, when the weather is nice. I'm thinking the two of us could get up a bit earlier and take a leisurely walk in the morning. Then when I get home after work, take a walk where we pick up the pace. That would help him to burn off any energy he has from being in his kennel and help me burn a little extra calories too.

I think Weight Watchers is the other plan. I have been meaning to get back on track for awhile but finding the time and actually the motivation has been hard.

The beautiful Sunny day, the wonderful cool breeze and Qua.. those are great motivators. Not to mention, that really nice pair of slacks that don't fit any longer.

Spring is a time for renewal so here we go.