Thank-You!

Just popping in for a quick minute to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone for their comments on my last post!  Joel and I really appreciate everyone taking the time to think of something to say and for being so understanding.  I really do have some great readers!  With all the crappy things going on in the world lately, from the bombing in Boston to the explosion in Texas, the loss of our dog pales in comparison, but it’s still nice to know that there are so many kindred spirits out there.  (Anne of Green Gables, anyone?)   We have found out that another neighbor’s dog was also killed in one of these traps a couple of years ago.  I think all of our other neighbors are dog lovers because we have so many dogs in this area  It seems every house we walk by has a dog that comes out to greet us.

The house sure is quiet without Daisy, but thank goodness we have Carter to cheer us up!  This is one of the few pictures we have of Carter with Daisy.  They are hanging out with Joel before Carter’s bath one morning.   It’s only an iphone picture, so the quality isn’t great, but it’s a good memory.

In other news, we are digging out from yet another snow storm.  The snow is never-ending this year in Minnesota.  Last year the lake was open by March 15th and it was beautiful, early spring.  This year we still had 3 feet of ice on the lakes at that time and we will be lucky if the lake is open by May 15th.

The weather has been so bad, that our steep driveway has been covered in snow and ice and has prevented our printer from delivering the shipment of new books.

The forecast is looking up though – they are predicting 70 degrees this weekend!  What a change in a few short days.  So, hopefully all that sun will melt the snow and ice and the books can be delivered.  In the meantime, I am working on some blog posts to share the new stuff with you.  I do have this jpeg for the cover – just to give you a sneak peek.  Be sure to stop back to see the rest of the projects and a chance to win a copy.  I am really anxious to share some of my ”cheater” techniques with you - like the fact that the cover quilt is strip pieced!  Doesn’t it look much harder than that?

 

 

Daisy

I have been debating about writing this post for the last several days.

It’s not something I wanted to share, but many of you know our dog Daisy.  Joel and I have talked about it and decided to share.  Partly because we also wanted to warn people about a risk for their dogs, and because you may wonder why we don’t blog any new pictures of Daisy.

So here goes -

Wednesday afternoon, Joel let Daisy out for a bathroom break.  She didn’t come right back, even after calling her.  Joel went out to look for her, as this wasn’t typical behavior for her.  After driving around the neighborhood for a while, he came back home without her.  He walked around our yard calling for her and realized that there were some terrible noises coming from the neighbor’s yard.  He followed the sound and found Daisy caught in a large trap.  He tried to get her released, but those traps aren’t meant to be opened by a person with no knowledge about opening them.  He had to go for help.  He knew her jaw was broken, but wasn’t sure about her neck.  The vet clinic happens to be a couple of minutes from our house, so they were able to come and help.  They sedated her and began to work on getting the trap off.   It took all three of them, and a lot of adrenaline on Joel’s part, to get the trap off  her head.  Once she was loose, they brought her to the vet clinic for x-rays.  The x-rays revealed the worst – that her neck was also broken.   They put her to sleep and Joel is having her cremated.  He plans to spread her ashes at their favorite hunting spots – in North Dakota and at his buddy’s land down by Prinsburg.

Daisy was a special dog.  According to Joel, she was the best hunting dog he ever had, and more importantly, an even better pet.  She had a really good disposition – so friendly and personable.  Daisy was an important part of our family, and watching Carter play with her was so fun.  He would squeal with delight when he got to pet her.  We are dissapointed that he will not get to grows up with her.  Her absence leave an empty void in our home and in Joel’s life.  A good friend of Joel’s nicknamed her ”The Love Machine”  because she loved people, receiving affection from people and giving it.  In fact, she gave pretty good hugs!

One of my favorite blog posts happens to be about Daisy.  You can click here if you want to read it.  The photos will tell you more about her personality than my words ever could.  She was also a good hunter and she and Joel shared a special bond because of their mutual love of hunting.   Another one of my favorite posts includes Daisy and gives you a little glimpse into her favorite hobby – pheasant hunting.

But, no matter how special we happen to think she was, or if she had been a random, homeless dog, she never should have had to suffer so.  We both feel terrible that she was in that trap for over an hour.   The trap is called a Connibear 200.  They are legal to use in some states, including Minnesota.  But, we were told they are not currently legal to use in Minnesota right now, because it is not trapping season.  They are legal to use on public hunting land and do not require a special marking so that you know they are there.  They are designed to kill small animals quickly, unlike the old leg traps that an animal could live in for quite some time.    It has become an issue of concern for many people, because of how many dogs are killed in these traps.

If you are like us, and hike or snowshoe on public hunting land or other state lands where trapping is legal, you need to know about these traps.  We have since found out that there is a special technique for releasing the trap.  If you are interested, you can read about it on this website.   (Some of the websites showing how to release your dog are pretty graphic — just an FYI.)  Hopefully you will never need to use it, but you never know.   From what Joel has read, you have to know how to release them quickly if you want to save your dog.

I don’t mean to be a pot stirrer with this post, as I know it’s a controversial issue.  We just wanted other dog owners to be aware of the risk.  If this happens to your dog and you can release them quickly, you might have a chance of saving your dog.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.  On the brighter note, we are grateful that Carter, or any other child, wasn’t the one to find the trap.  

Many of you have said such nice things about Daisy in the past and we have so enjoyed reading your comments.  I know many of my readers are dog lovers and your words will be an encouragement right now, especially to Joel.

 

Good-bye Daisy.  You will be missed!

Knitting Update

Finally!  The book is turned into the printer.  All the editing is done and the proofs have been approved.  I spent the weekend recuperating and trying to give my brain a break!  Knitting always helps, which means it’s time for a knitting update. 

I already showed a quick peak at two finishes in my last post.  Both were little sweater vests for Carter.

First up, we have this blue one. 

I love that it matches his eyes perfectly!  I warned him yesterday that he might get sick of wearing blue, because I will be buying (or making) him a LOT of blue things. I am going to take advantage of getting to put whatever I want to on him now. One of my quilting friends advised me to – she asked her teenage boy if she could knit him something. His response was – NEVER. Not even a little bit. He shut the door on that idea quickly and completely!   lol

The pattern was originally supposed to be a full sweater.  I really like vests on Carter – they aren’t quite so bulky and it’s a really easy change to make.

I think my favorite part is the buttons.  They seem to go well with that little-old man look that I seem to like.  Plus, they remind me of a suit coat that my dad had growing up.

You can find the rest of the details here.

 

For those of you who are regular readers, you already know I love cables.  I love that this next little sweater turns a mini cable into an owl!  You don’t really see if until you put the buttons on it -

Before buttons:

After Buttons:

See what I mean? 

I had trouble getting Carter still enough for a clear shot, but you can see the owl better on this one.

The pattern was really quick and easy – though again I made a few changes.  They were minor, but original pattern didn’t have the owls centered on the chest.  I also made it a bit bigger for Carter.  But, by the time I got it finished, it was almost too small for him.  When I don’t get my own things done, it doesn’t matter, so I have to remember this is not the case with Carter’s things!

You can find the rest of the details here.

I also finished up a project for myself.  

 

It went really fast, once I got the cowl right.  I originally cast on according to the pattern, but decided that the cowl was much bigger than I wanted.  I ended up taking out 4″ of width and 2″ of length. 

I like it much better now.  My other favorite details are the raglan sleeve, the inset panel, and the fact that it is offset just a bit.  I love balanced asymmetry. 

You can find the rest of my details here.  It was a fun, relaxing knit, so I highly recommend it!

All for now – time to work on some brochures for the new book!

Carter’s 9 Month Pics

I have been spending hours and hours at the computer working on editing quilt patterns and such, so it was nice to take a break from all things quilty to upload these happy photos!

Carter turned nine months a couple of weeks back, so I have chosen a few of my favorite photos from the month to share with you.

He is climbing up next to everything – and if it’s a drawer or a basket – unloading everything onto the floor.  He is also trying to stand next to everything, though he needs some sort of prop to stay standing  

He spends most of his time like this – on the move and exploring.

Church hair and his new owl sweater (more details on the knitting to come)

Bath time in the sink  (while I am refinishing the tub)

Mr Smirky-pants

 

 

How he really feels about being stuck into a basket and posing for pictures

When he isn’t busy getting into things, he is busy talking.  According to me, he has said his first official word.  Any guesses what it was?  Yep, it was Mom.  So Sweet!  I even got it on video if you need proof. 

(I have been warned though that it may also turn into the most annoying word in the word – mom.    Mom.    MOM.    MOM!!!!   until he gets what he wants kind of thing.)

 

Until next month . . . . .

 

Favorite Notions

Welcome to all the quilters coming over from the Moda blog today!

I am part of a notions blog hop over at Moda’s Cutting Table Blog.  The theme:  what three notions would you take with if you were stranded on a quilting island for two weeks.    It has been fun to follow along and see what everyone is bringing – both practical and funny.

I thought I would elaborate a little on what I am bringing and add a few things beyond the 3 that we were allowed to bring.

#1 – 1.  My preferred thread for doing machine appliqué:  Heavy by Dual Duty.

There are several reasons why I like this thread:

1 – It comes in several different colors – though I usually use black or dark brown. (If this thread doesn’t come in the color you want, you can just use two strands of regular weight thread)

2 – It’s heavier than regular thread so you applique looks like it’s been done by hand.

3 – The thickness of the thread makes it more forgiving.  I find that when I applique with a lighter weight thread I have to be so careful not to get little Vs in my stitching – as shown in the photo below.  The thicker thread just seems to fill them in.

Notion #2 – My favorite scissors. 

I don’t go quilting anywhere without this scissors.  It’s made by Elan (and sold by Moda).  The short blade makes for easy maneuvering when cutting appliqué shapes or threads.

 It has large holes for your hands, so it’s nice and comfortable.  Also – the handle is squishy, which makes it even more comfortable.

Notion # 3.  Hobbs Polydown quilt batting. 

Not only does it show off your quilting nicely, but it also entertains your 9 month old while you sew.

The last item we couldn’t live without while sewing:   Snacks.  In my case, coffee and double chocolate cookies.  You know that all is right with the world when your cookies are nice and dark chocolately and your coffee is nice and creamy. 

Click here to download the recipe for my current favorite cookie (which is subject to change with any new cravings)

As I mentioned, I’d like to share a few other favorite notions, as 3 just isn’t quite enough!  Here are a few more that I just can’t live without:

My favorite iron:  The Rowenta Pro Precision (the number on the box is DG 8430)

There are several reasons why I love this iron.    The main reason is that you do NOT have to shut it off to refill the steam tank.  With my old Rowenta steam iron you had to let it cool down before you could refill it.  That meant at least 30 minutes of down time.

I also love how quick this iron heats up – it only takes 3 minutes.  My old Rowenta took 9 minutes.  That was usually too long during the Sunday morning rush, which meant I always had a second iron handy that would heat up quickly.  Now I only have this one.

This iron has lots of great steam and it doesn’t spit up (as long as you use the right water.  If you use soft water, it will spit).  It’s light and has a smooth sole plate that glides easily over quilt blocks.

Rotary Cutters:  As quilters, we can’t live without rotary cutters.  I have several sizes.  My favorite is not the larger size that I usually see everyone using.  I mostly cut with the middle one in the photo – the 28 MM.  It is so much easier to manuever than those large cutters.  It is also easier to see around when cutting.

I use the smallest cutter in the photo when I do machine applique.  It saves me so much time!  I like to cut the center area out of my fusible product, as shown in the photo below (this helps reduce bulk and stiffness so it feels more like it’s been hand appliqued).  The small cutter whips in and out of those curves so much faster than a scissors!

My tools for doing binding quicker:  Hand Quilting Thread and Straw needles.  I am totally addicted to straw needles.  They glide in and out of the fabric so nice and the long length makes them easier to manuever.  My preferred brand is by Fox Glove Cottage and my prefered size is an 8.

Click here to see my tutorial on quickly hand-stitching binding using these tools.

That’s all for now.  I also have an older post that I did with a few favorite notions.   If you have time to read it, click here. 

(Just keep in mind that this post is older now, so a few things have changed, like my quilting machine and my iron.)

Almost There . . .

 Hello Quilters – How are you?

Things are moving along smoothly here – as I am still managing to get a bunch of things finished.

As you can see, the studio is back together.  I chose to just lighten the yellow a little bit.  I almost painted the studio blue – which I know I would love – but I had just made those curtains a few months ago.  They were waiting in my to-do pile for about a year and a half and I really didn’t want to make new ones again.  I honestly don’t like making curtains, especially when they are lined with light blocking lining.  I guess I would rather repaint than make new curtains.

You can see the before color here – almost a cheddar color. 

It’s now a much lighter, softer, creamy yellow.  I like it most of the time – but I do find that it really changes with the different times of the day.

I am plugging away on my work deadlines.  The latest strike-offs for “Here Fishy, Fishy” arrived for their final critique.  Notes have been made and sent off for a few last changes.

I

Several additional quilts were finished for the new book.  In addition, I ended up getting most of my photography for the book done.  It’s always such a huge relief to have it done.  I hadn’t intended to do it last week, but the lighting outside was perfect.  It’s a good thing I did it though – as we had a blizzard warning yesterday and it’s bitterly cold today.

At least the sun is shining, which helps block out some of the sound that howling wind is making.  Can you believe last year, at this same time, there was green grass when I was photographing the book projects?  At this time last year we had no snow and the temps were in the 60′s.  It’s a good thing too, considering how many little kids were in the book. 

I did use one little kid in this years photos.  Bet ya can’t guess who?  My favorite prop ever  

(No offense to all the other wonderful kids I’ve gotten to use as props).

Yep – Pretty delicious.  I wish you could hear the sound Daddy had to make to get him smiling for the pictures though.  It would have been a nice addition to my photo bloopers post.

I will be back in a few days.  I am going to be part of the Moda Favorite Notions blog posts.  I will be adding a few more details on my favorite notions here on my blog, in addition to what is posted on the Moda blog.

 For now, it’s back to editing. . . . .

Everyday Life

       

It’s amazing how quickly time flies between blog posts.  I have intentions to blog more or put something on Facebook, but I don’t get it done.  Everyday flies by and I barely get my work done, plus taking care of and playing with Carter.  I have been finishing up lots of quilts that I will get to share someday soon.   I have gotten two quilt tops machine quilted this week, one quilt top pieced, and the binding hand-stitched on another one, so progress is being made slowly but surely. 

In amongst all the busy work, I have found time for a little knitting and a little snowshoeing.  Both knitting projects are small – a hat for Carter and a cowl for me. 

The hat for Carter:

Ravelry link here with the details

This isn’t the best photo, but it’s the only one I have of him wearing the hat.

The cowl for me – once again, made out of one of my favorite yarns – Madeline Tosh DK.  I LOVE the colors.

Ravelry link and details here

Sometimes, Minnesota is so pretty in the winter.  As I wash dishes, I look out the kitchen window and it’s beauty beckons me to come out and enjoy it.

 

Snowshoeing even makes Daisy happy.  You can tell in the photo by the extra flop in her ears.

 

This last shot is for those of you who were picturing me with giant tennis rackets strapped to my feet. 

So what’s on your agenda for the weekend?

I am in the process of painting my studio and putting it back together.  (Yep, I definitely have spring fever.  It makes me want to paint everything in lighter, springy colors – but what a mess!)