Wow it's been an exciting week to say the least in my world. This week had a meeting with the printers www.pkprintingservices.com . We are designing my logo, getting flyer's designed, business cards, and art cards done. Those I think excite me the most. Fran said should get some pictures of the studio and quilts that they could use and one might consider hiring a photographer. Well guess what that very night at a birthday party I met one. Can you say thinking the stars are all lining up for me. So the next day Brad emailed me , check out his web site www.allenfoto.com  and yes going to have him come in and take some shots. It's funny how things work out. That was my Tuesday, on Monday I decided that I would book more classes and take a couple more days off work. Thought my families would complain when I gave them my new holiday schedule and everyone was fine with the additional three days off. Mind you I gave 3 months notice for one day and seven months notice for the days taking in December. Why did it take me 15 yrs to discover one could take time off work ? I swear for the last 15 years my family has only ever taken ten days for holidays a year.  Okay you have to know  both Rodney and I are self employed so it's a juggling act to take time off when  two companies are involved. Anyways booked more classes and am doing the happy dance cause learning has always excited me. So in June taking an extra day of classes with Deloa Jones. You can see her crazy at www.deloasquiltshop.com I love what she can do with feathers.



charity quilt for guild



On Wednesday finished binding on a charity quilt for the guild. Wanted it completed so I could show off my quilting skills . Okay just remember this is only my sixth quilt on the new machine.And with each quilt getting better and better. At my guild meeting last night the ladies loved what was done and I also brought Mr Bones to show off . Today will finish another charity quilt if time allows. So there you have it to date been crazy busy just the way I like it.



Now to net work more and get my name out there so that one can start building clients. Now to start dealing with building my web site so that every thing will be ready for our Grand opening. Mark your Calendar for July 22 - 24 !  Figure that's the best date for Loopy D's to hit the ground running. Most of my classes will be under my belt. Our family is back from holidays well rested, stampede will have been over so one will need a BBQ  to attend. Okay still working on what we will be doing but have started collecting some killer door prizes. ( Can you say money going out faster than coming in ) Idea's would be great so feedback is always welcome.

So there you have it all wrapped up in a bow a view into my small world now into the mix one has to add eight daycare kids, one Jack Russel, one university student , husband that is home one week gone the next for work. Notice the list starting with the ones that make the most work down to the one person in my life that makes it worth working from home. All my adventures would not be possible if I did not have Rodney by my side. Crazy man sees my vision and is on board for the crazy even after 29 years. I'm the dreamer, he's the one that keeps me grounded.

Now your goal for this week is to make some suggestions , tell me what you would like to be offered as services . In general would love to hear your feedback.  Chat Later got to head to the Longarm and do some real work. Enjoy your day.



Come Jump with me.

Well it's been an interesting couple of weeks to say the least. For the last four years I have been quilting , learning and educating myself in all that is quilting. The history is always unfolding, some quilts take my breath away. The artistry is really not appreciated by most, but wow it's art . My goal for  my quilts is to create something that looked like what was in my head. Sometimes it happened but for the most part never did . Then off they went to the longarm quilter to finish. Yes I sent my quilts out that I thought where special. I did quilt the everyday ones don't get me wrong. And hence that's why I now own a longarm machine because I was not always happy with what came back. Part of it was my fault as one needs to tell the quilter what you want. To say have fun really can mean different things to different people.



Monica's quilt- Eva's block



Anyways I have now quilted two quilts for paying clients. That's right Molly is earning her keep! They where not big quilts but I know that the ladies put a lot of time and love into their creations. Monica let me do her quilt that we all made blocks for. Each block was done by a different lady. We all have been together for 3 yrs sewing so we all put much love or our crazy into each block we made. So when she trusted me it was an honor . The Block Eva did with all the paper piecing scared me to quilt but I think I did it justice. The end results of this quilt made me smile. The next quilt was for Mary Beth. She loves making quilts but she can't quilt them due to her handicap . When I asked her what she wanted done her answer was you decide !  The part she hates is trying to figure out what to do with the finished top. She hates picking the design , the thread , basically the whole finishing process. Well I took her quilt and played. Took Sue Pattens advice and listened to Mary Beth, then looked at the quilt and asked what she thought of this and maybe do that . End results really did make me smile and proud of the work. It's scary taking these tops that these women are trusting you with and try to capture what they want onto their quilt. I can now see why my quilts never turned out the way I wanted them to cause I did not tell the longarmer what I wanted. And they also needed to give back impute. Taking a quilt to another person to finish is hard , you have worked on that top for along time and now you are giving up control. So good lesson is to have a good relationship with your LA person.

I Once I finished those quilts I have started working on charity quilts for the guild. Must do something special cause every quilt is a showcase of my work. And as Rod says building a client base is the most import part of my business at this time. Today I got my phones up and answering service set up . I will be getting the web site done in the next couple of weeks. Then it's back to Edmonton for more lessons. Can hardly wait to take more classes . This round is with Deloa Jones she does out of this world work with feathers. Will see if I can schedule another work day off to take two classes of hers. It's hard fitting in these classes when they interfere with my full time paying job. Although doing these classes has been like a life line or recharger for me. I quilt and sew because it is where I can create and be myself. No rules to follow  , no boxes to fit into no one to please.Okay I do follow rules but the art quilts are all mine.  It's where I am allowed to play. So thinking might have to schedule another day off . I run a day home and it's hard when my taking time off effects families but thinking a happy Deb is a much better childcare provider. This year I did have an eye opener when I asked for a day off due to a funeral and one parent said I really did not need a whole day. So that's when I started booking time off cause really I also have a life outside of work. It also pushed me into the longarm business faster. 

Loopy D's Longarm studio



Quilting side of business











Well there you have it . I told you I would take you along on my new adventure. Working hard to build my skills. The studio is up and running as you can tell from the pictures. I will be offering longarm classes plus renting out the machine once you have taken the class. All my supplies have been ordered. My husband is crazy and says get everything now because our dollar is so good. So I have placed orders for more thread, batting and rulers plus books and stencils. Right now it feels like the money is flying out the window and not much coming back . This will change in time as once I have everything I will not have to order more for now. The joys of starting a new business. So if you want more information to  book a Longarm  class, schedule an appointment for longarm services my number is 403 669 9523 . I am jumping want to come play in our waters?





















Your worth it !

Morning,


Loopy D's Studio



Taking a break from working on my new long arm machine yes I have a new toy and loving every minute I get to use it. While I was drinking my morning coffee and reading the new Quilt life Magazine there was an article that made me stop and think.

We as women make our homes express ourselfs and our tastes through color, decor and nic knacks but do we have our own space to create & play. Our kids have play rooms, our teens have the basement, the men in our lives might have a man cave or a garage but do we as women make space where we play? Last year I took a course on working in small places. The instructor had a slide show of quilters spaces. Now the quilts these ladies made where wonderful but the space that they worked from sucked. I know it's not right to have all your sewing items and machine in the hall closet . Really you could not find a better place to work in ? Or the dinning room table , again family dinners are not as common but your machine is at the wrong height and the lighting stinks. Are we not active in paying the bills that we don't place value on us ?



Molly & Me with quilt
I cut in half to play on.



When I got my first Longarm frame it was 10 feet long and about 2.5 feet wide, my son was flabbergassed that I was taking up all his space in the basement. I looked him in the eyes and said did you pay the morgage? I think not so this machine stays. It's taken me some time to claim more of my house for myself but once it happened well the house reflecs my passion. Now don't get me wrong I worked at the kitchen table for about six months . Then one day after moving the machine again cause we eat family dinners together I said to my husband we have two spare rooms and how often are both filled? My studio space was born. Last year an organization company came in and helped me take control of the space and I have never looked back.  Last week my Millenuim arrived , Molly as I call her (anything that cost more than my first car needs a name) Well this set up is 14 feet long, four feet wide do I need to say more she takes up alot of space but my son and husband smiled and knew I am happy.

So take a look at your space , do you have one? If not why not? When you have an area that is just yours where no one touches the tools or moves a project you can walk away do something else then come back to it and continue . I don't care if you quilt or scrapbook when you have a hobby you need a space that your family does not disturb. Your more productive, creative and most of all happy . Now go look around your home is there a corner or a small room that you can claim ? I am thinking you can find it,  so that's your challenge this week take time and space for you.  Would love to see your spaces so post them. Now back to work I go as the quilt that is on the frame is not being finished with me on this machine.

Breath



Mr Bone's on Bass
Quilt top design by B. Sparrow
Skeleton all Mine.



Afternoon , Well I did it I took the plunge. Today I bought my Millennium Long arm machine. Breath. Wow okay you may not understand why I am so over whelmed. When I bought my first car I spent $8,000.00 dollars, was okay with that. Next car 22,000.00 dollars , went into the washroom and got sick. At that point in time I hated thinking I owed so much money. Today well I spent more than that in my Pj's,  but am doing a small happy dance.

You see I am taking a step forward. I have ran a day home for almost 15 yrs. For the most part it's been great but as with every job you have good days and bad days. It's time to look forward and have the conversation with ones self. Is this what I want to be doing in five years. Well easy answer NO it's not. Next question  -  what do you want to be doing? Again easy answer, although five years ago I could not answer that question.

Since I started quilting I found my voice . And yes as with everything in my life went for it with all my heart and soul. When each day is a gift use it well cause it could all be gone tomorrow. (Life scare when my son was five). Now discovered that I enjoy the quilting as much as the piecing maybe more so. Piecing is fine , following a pattern is wonderful but I have never been one to stay in the lines so where does this leave me? Simple answer do the work that makes the quilt a quilt.

Now for the next four months I will be travelling all over the country taking classes from some amazing Long arm Art's. Yes they are artist when they can make a flower come to life or a feather float in the corners of a quilt. These teachers have been doing this form of art for years and I can hardly wait to soak up what they have to offer. Next week it's classes with Sue Patten whom is amazing.

Found a name - Loopy D's quilting & Long arm studio. It makes me smile a combination of my favorite companion ( Luna ) we call her loopy cause she runs in circles and does these silly little loops when we are heading out. And a long arm artist makes many Loops.  D is for me and the rest is  what we do. Plus those that know me know that I am a  little bit loopy for the most part.

So for the next year will be working on improving my skills, building a clientele , designing more so Loopy D's can offer a little more crazy to ones quilts.

Long term plan be able to make this addiction pay for it's self and be able to take two weeks off a year. So yes today I spent money but in the long run it will pay for it's self and I can work when I want. Plus I can go for a coffee with a friend or have lunch with the girls.

Scary to be moving into the unknown but I think life needs to have risks and one should at least try. I can always be a Wal Mart greeter . Okay evil laugh I am not that old.

Our Past our legacy

Morning,


Purple monstrosity



As I look outside into my garden resting under a coat of snow it makes one reflect on the past and whats to come next. Spring is just around the corner and all those buds waiting to pop up from under the cold blank of winter. I am not one that reflects on my genealogy but I love history and the artifacts that have survived . In my teens I worked for the Cranbrook Railway museum  restoring  the train cars. Peeling away the paint, dirt and grim of so many years. It was a dirty job but wow looking at the end results and knowing you saved something for the future made my heart sing. Now many years later looking at my life makes me wonder about what one will leave behind for the next generation to restore , preserve or just enjoy. Spent morning reading a couple of

history research papers hence the reflection.

Last month I made a Baby Jane quilt , it was nice but nothing special in my eyes. Not like Jane A Stickler's quilt from 1863 or Harriet Powers bible quilts from the 1800's. Mrs. Powers sold her quilt back then for five dollars so she could feed her family, Ms. Stickle made the quilt while she waited for the men in her life to return from war. Did these women know that a hundred years later women would be making their quilts in ah of what they had made with the tools and fabric of the day.

While my family was in New york we went to many museums, and yes we enjoyed it but the one item that stuck in my head was a piece of fabric that was painted and stitched from the 1700's. Fabric and working with it is part of a women's DNA . Thinking this is why I took to quilting like a duck to water , it's in my DNA.



Mermaids song
Made it into National Juried Show 2010



We all have a creative side somewhere, will someone be holding one of my quilts or my mothers painting and wondering what  where we thinking while making it. After the trip back from New York I came to the conclusion that yes I was an artist like my mother and grandmother. These ladies paint and draw cause it's part of them. Are they famous no will their works survive who knows. Put they loved doing it. As for myself my quilting friends can spot one of my pieces without being told who made it. Do I love what I do silly question and the answer is yes. Am I an artist yes because I am creating something to express how I am feeling. So while my mother thinks its just sewing ( She has one of my quilts & she has it on her bed with the back side showing not the front with all the work)  I think yes some pieces are functional  but others are works of Art.

Now here is the question of the day, do you think of your work as art, or just functional ? And in a hundred years when someone is holding it what will they think about it? I am thinking they will think it's Art what do you think?


Nana's Parlor
Just made after my grandmother pasted.



Do you have a goal or Plan?



My life is full of fun, color, & will always
take time to party & have a glass of wine
Sexy Shoes a must.



If you had asked me four years ago what would I be doing I could not answer you. Well I could , I would be working, maybe taking some classes and dealing with my day to day life. Did I have a plan for the future no just work, save for my retirement and pray that my family was happy and healthy. Those people that say do what you love well I never understood that as for me I liked different things but never loved anything.  Wow has things changed .

Who would have known that walking into a quilt store would change my life so much in such a short time. Found my passion, discovered color, discovered that it was okay to play & explore my creative side and met amazing people. This journey I am on has changed due to teachers that have opened doors to my imagination. My first instructor whom I love is Linda Ward she called me out and challenged me along the way. She has given of her time and let me fly. Others have taught and I have soaked up everything they had to offer. But as in life it's never a straight road, my journey changed when I took a class from Matt Sparrow . I love making my quilts but it was the quilting that always seemed to fall short. Sending them out was fine but for the most part when they came back my vision and the quilters vision where  different. I bought a long arm frame and put a regular sewing machine on it. For me this has worked well but has it's short comings . So as in all that I do I booked a class with Matt to see how to improve my quilting. Had him do a quilt for me and he got me!  The quilt is a work of Art due to Matt's skills. Hence why I took a class from him.  One day with him caused an explosion in my world.

All of a sudden I knew what I wanted to be doing and needed a plan of attack to reach my goal. Came home sat down with my husband and explained my crazy plan. So now I am saving for a proper long arm machine and frame. In March taking time off to head to Edmonton to take Classes with Sue Patten, then in June taking more time off to go to Long arm University and taking classes with Cathy Roth. A couple of weeks ago took a workshop with Lorraine Stangness. All these classes before I even own a machine (way to funny)
Reason behind this is to be able to play on a number of different machines and test drive them. So when it comes time to buy I will buy the machine that will work the best for my needs. Hate to spend that kind of money and not love it or make it pay for it's self.

Now all this is great but would not happen or could not happen if I did not have the support of my family. My Husband has kept me on track and helped me keep on track when obstacles have come my way.

So look around you,  people come into your life for a reason. I know My Husband is my anchor, and all the people that are around me are here to teach me life lessons and I value all of them.

Now here is the question of the day , who inspires you ? What are your future goals, have you set any? What are you going to do to reach these goals? If you don't have a goal in mind maybe it's time to look around your world and view it differently.  Hope I make you think. :)

And for those teachers and people that have inspired me know that I value you , respect you and am grateful you came into my crazy world. Hugs and kisses coming your way.

The Power of a quilt

Okay go get a box of tissues cause by the end of this you will be shedding a few tears... Ready ...cause not sure if I am but here goes anyways. On Sunday we awake to a call at 4:30 am. Took a minute or two to figure out whom was on the phone . My friend has just had the police at her door telling the family that their youngest son was killed in a car accident. The grief is flowing threw the phone lines. We are up ! The  first thing my husband says is go see if our son is home safe and sound. You see he went out with friends that night and was not the driver . Relief sets in as we see the sneakers by the door way. Go down to his room and steal a hug. Coffee on shower and off Rod and I go in different directions as he had to move work around last week and could not stay in town this week. Me off to help where I can. As I walk into my friends home you can feel the sadness. Hugs, the tale unfolds tears are shed. Turns out my job is the official hugger. Each time a new person comes in D. (my friend) goes and greets the newest guest and the tears flow. The grief is palpable and no one knows how to comfort this family. My reaction is to hug, I don't have the words cause I don't know this loss and hope never to. So I wrap my arms around both D and her husband when it's needed. The pain is so real , and raw that one feels helpless. By the end of this day I have a headache from all the tears shed.
Before leaving I ask D if I can have some of her son's t-shirts so I can make her a quilt. You see all day long she is clutching his things with an iron grip afraid if she lets go it might be true. It's not real , I'm going to wake up she says under her breath a hundred times this day.  Into his room we go typical young man's room cloths everywhere , gym gear everywhere, the smell of hockey gear ahhhh but she looks we laugh and cry some more. In my arms the shirts go,  I know she is trusting that I will not harm the items she is giving me,  letting go of more. ( crying now  ? I sure am)
On the drive home make a call to two quilting friends explaining what has been going on and yes they will come and help. At nine Sandra arrives we open a bottle of wine she listens then to the studio we go. For the next couple of hours we talk , chat and sew. My soul is recharging . In the morning Sandra heads to work, I head to the sewing machine. All day long the machine sews and sews, the noise is like a hum that's soothing after lunch it's down stairs to the long arm. In my dreams I dreamt of angel wings but in the end I stitched hearts flowing threw the quilt landing here and there. In the corner quilt Love you Travis . Back upstairs square the quilt and machine sew the binding on.
Load quilt , Luna and myself into the truck and head to the other side of the city. Walk into the house where their was over fifty people. By the end of the night over 100 people will have came to show their respects. D. sees me and the quilt and is in my arms. The quilt is then scooped up and she has it on the floor inspecting, soaking up what I had done. Tears are flowing her oldest son is thanking me and crying , this family embraces me and this quilt. Now it's nothing special eight meters of fabric, nine t-shirts that are used but the power it holds words can't describe. When I left tonight my friend was on the coach curled up under it finally resting.
The power it holds is love. Travis is there giving them that last hug.
So thinking this is the nicest quilt I have ever done because it was done with the purest intent love.
Thinking your crying now.  Go hug you kids, call them , email them cause you never know when the Angels want them by there side. I know I have given JD more hugs in the last two day than he would like oh well. Now to bed I head not looking forward to the next couple of days but will  smile and let my spirtes flow.

It's a new year, we all make resolutions which one never really keeps but at least we give it our best effort for a month or so. A few years ago I got off this merry go round as I did not like setting myself up to fail. Now yes I do say this year I am going to do this or that but it is usually something that needs to get done. Last year was the year to purge, finish projects and clear out the clutter. This was done with the help of an organizer. Sometimes one needs to ask for help and that's okay. Also my quilting friends kept me in line to finish off my projects, although I keep adding to that pile. As for this year I have made goals not resolutions. This years goal is to have a Millennium and frame in the house .For those that don't sew it's a kick ass Long arm machine. Now the plan is to teach and put that income aside , get another part time job. Okay I know adding to my already crazy schedule but I sent out a resume to do census for Revenue Canada and that job one can set there own hours. You see to make my goal means I have to put about a thousand dollars aside each month for the whole year. We will also be making cutbacks in other areas so that I can bank more. So this year I will also try to sell some of my quilts, use more of my stash and spend less. Ambitious goal I know.


Friendship Quilt
Blocks made by friends quilt design mine

 You see I have a plan which has been set into place. This plan happened because Rod and I kept telling JD to do what he loved. A job is not a job if you love what you are doing. When giving advise one should follow ones own advise. So for the next year I shall be taking classes from some wonderful teachers from all over Canada and the United States. I will also be asking my friends if I can quilt their quilts so that one can practice what one is learning. Muscle memory is important. And the scariest thing is to start using my computer to design quilts so that one can start selling one's patterns and designs. Long term Plan make this crazy hobby or rather addiction  start paying for it's self. So giving JD advice also made me look at my life and ask was I living it to my fullest. Was I my best self and the answer was getting there, work in progress. Now step it up and live. Thinking I have been watching to much Oprah. So question of the day are you living your fullest life ? If the answer is no then what's your plan ?  Now to go see what the kids are doing, get JD out the door, pour myself a coffee and get on with my day. Hope your day is full of fun and laughs. I know mine will be cause kids can be so funny.

Christmas Crazy

Three days and counting down. The house is done, baking finished, gifts wrapped so now it's onto the house work. I swear we make more work for ourselves. The joy of the Holidays, spending way to much, eating, drinking and playing way to much. Everything in excess. As a quilter I make even more work for myself cause well you want to make that special gift for your family and friends. Sorry guys but I  did not go crazy. Okay let me rephrase that. 25 tea towels made and already given away, 50 little bags made and most have been given away, two quilts done and given, two table runners , two wall hangings have also been sent. And that is what I did in the last two months.

Now got smart and told a friend no I would not make her mother in law a quilt so she came and sewed for a night and then booked a long arm quilter as I said no again. Happy dance for me for standing up and realizing that I could not do everything. Sometimes we have to learn to take a look at our schedules and rethink what can be done and will be done.

Today I am working on a quilt that is due on the 8th of January. The blocks where all finished in the spring early summer. Scheduling issues NOT just like most of us left it to the last minute now in panic mode and look still not doing it cause I am Blogging. Evil laugh. Goal today is lay the blocks out and figure out the best way to showcase these amazing blocks. And well the ladies that graced me with such a gift I don't want to let them down so will try and showcase each block to its best. May be under the gun but will not let time get in the way.  

That is what I plan to be doing this week in my spare time. Now my wonderful husband also booked us a couple of days at the Banff Springs so we will be escaping between the Christmas holidays and New Years. He has been traveling so much he though it would be nice to recharge. Okay I know he has been staying in hotels most of this month but he wants to spend time with me. No distractions, kids or dog.  So today thinking will head to the Cat's Pajama's and buy something special after work.

Now that I have killed an hour guess I should get back to work. Wish me luck. Mind you in 15 minutes have to go and pick up kids as they only have half a day off. Got to love my schedule.

Being Thankfull.

Just got home from doing my shift for Inn out of the Cold it is 5:38 am in the morning yes still up and know once my head hits the pillow I will be out like a light. Now lots is going on in my head as to how the rest of my day is going to go. Sleep till ten, maybe make a piece of toast while the coffee is brewing. Head to the bank to pay my taxes ( Filed late this yr.) Not worrying about how I am paying this bill because the money is there. Then grocery store, liquor store then home, friend coming over to use the long arm so she can finish her Christmas gifts. My husband will arrive home around four then we will get ready to go to a Christmas party . This is what this day will involve. Well tonight I swear more people could not sleep , needed to have a smoke, or just wondering about. Very unusual since wake up is at six and they are on the bus heading out by seven.

Here is what these Homeless working poor have to look forward to. Wake up in 15 minutes, where if you want a shower you have to wait cause there are only two showers and 15 people that could want one. But you have only one hour to pack up your stuff shower and eat . On the menu is eggs, toast, bacon and fruit. Sounds good but this is the menu everyday if you are using the Inn. 7:00 am on the bus to head downtown. It's cold out, might not have the right cloths for this weather in need of a smoke. If your lucky you have work to go to if not your on the cold streets of Calgary . Lunch was given to you so no worries about filling that need but where does one get hot water to use for the instant soup? Next worry getting back to the Inn pick up point by 4:30 to catch a bus to the next church that is housing you for the night. Along with a million other worries about surviving on the streets.
Okay hope you have a mental  picture. My family was homeless when I was a child my parents did their best but moving, changing cities and jobs left cash flow short. First and Last months rent is hard to save for when you are just trying to get by in a day. Did not help that my mother had a mental condition . We also where on welfare for most of my younger days. So this is the reason I do the Inn Out of the Cold each month. It keeps our family grounded as to whats important . My husband never lived through such things but he has lived through my hording of canned food ( Not so bad for it now) My giving the shirt off my back if you needed it no questions asked , opening our home to anyone no matter what. Over feeding everyone cause god forbid anyone goes away hungry from our home.

I have a point to this story should get there ( lack of sleep ). All week I have been stressing about my silly Christmas tree and when was I going to get it up. Well tonight one man was stressing about the sizes of cigarette butts in this bag he had. I swear he must have gathered them up from all over the place . All he wanted was to enjoy one smoke. The bag made him feel like he could handle what ever the day held for him if he could gather enough to role one cigarette. Another lady that was up all night was stressing about the hole in her shoe cause next week it was going to get cold. Makes the tree look rather silly. These people where not worrying about stocking stuffers or that perfect gift.

As we head into this holiday season please take the time to enjoy what you have. My friend Darla and her son have been doing one good deed a day for someone if we all did this wow our world might not have so many stressed out people. So I hope today when you head into your day you might appreciate the little joys that are around you all the time. I know the people at the Inn gave me a gift tonight. I shall not stress over anything cause really we have it so much better than a lot of other people. Merry Christmas

Christmas Crazy

Morning,

Just checking my list of things to do before the holiday crazy begins. We all have those lists even if it's just in our heads. Who's on our Christmas shopping list, when will you have time to write that letter to go into the cards. What events will be happening that we need to plan for. And how is one going to pay for it all. So the crazy begins. Each year I swear we set ourselves up to drive ourselves and our loved ones crazy. For example I am thinking about my cards and letter but before I even get fingers to the computer low and behold my first Christmas card will be in the mail box from my mother. How this crazy lady does it every year still amazes me, but hers will be our first card and that's my Que to get my butt in gear and send out the cards. Could do it today but know I will wait until next week before it's done. And that's how we set ourselves up for the crazy. Now don't get me wrong my Christmas shopping is done yes you read that right. I start on boxing day for the next year. Sales baby Sales. Plus picking things up all year helps to spread the cost over the year rather than during November and December. This allows our family to do more with out having to pay in the next year. Planning ahead always. So my plan for this year is to keep it simple ( Laughing so hard right now) Okay yes I am keeping it Simple -  which in my world this year it means to Share , Implement, Multi task, Plan, Laugh and Enjoy. Keeping it Simple. So no stressing ones self out cause the tree is not perfect or those cookies are a  little burnt . Over the last couple of years I have come to figure out that no you don't need to decorate upstairs and downstairs, each room does not have to reflect the season it just needs to be clean for your company. Your friends are coming to visit you so  if there is a cookie to offer wonderful if not I am sure the company is still much better . So you can see the plan forming evil laugh, yes my friends will becoming over to bake , my family will decorate the tree together even if it takes until Christmas eve to get everyone in the same province and we will enjoy it. Now lets see if I can keep it simple .

 Right now finishing up a quilt for JD's girlfriend , have Christmas towels to finish sewing, Have to arrange Christmas party for the wonderful women I sew with on Fridays , well you get the picture. On the bright side already ahead of the game because it's still November. Now to get off this machine and start working on a class sample. This Sunday am teaching all day so if you want to come play and make a Secret Santa to give or keep come play with me at My Sewing Room, thinking the class still has space (call the store for more information)  Promise it will be done before Christmas. So there you have it my plans, so what do you have planned and will you drive yourself crazy?

To Label or Not ??



Inner Animal Workshop

Well I have no idea where the month went. I swear between work, kids, husband and my life in general this month has flown by as it is I still have paperwork and GST to deal with before the end of the month. At least the government fixed the $64,000 dollar error on their part. Can you imagine getting that bill needless to say I was not a happy camper that day. Where would one come up with that kind of cash? But I am not the only person dealing with government screw ups. My friend J had to spend the last month proving that they had a third child whom is in grade 12.  I figured after the sixth trip into their offices I would be pulling my shirt up and showing the stretch marks lmao all in fun J.

 So this month I started teaching we had an amazing weekend of sewing and I think the ladies took something away with them. It was fun and scary all at the same time. I have also opened my studio up so if you care to come and sew with me your more than welcome. My first victim (pardon student) evil evil laugh was J. She took the workshop but since she does not own a machine or tools she came to finish her quilt at the studio. Well let me tell you for a girl that just turned 13 this month she did an great job. She finished her quilt including the binding and label. Okay we sewed the binding by machine which saved us much time. But I swear I have been doing more and more binding by machine these days. Unless the quilt is heading to a show or it's something really special to the machine it goes. Don't get me wrong I love doing binding by hand. The other thing is labels. Please quilters start doing labels. Matt Sparrows the man quilter bought a hand quilted quilt at VV yesterday for $20 dollars someone went to a lot of work on this quilt for it to end up having no voice. I told J while she was finishing her label that yes this was her first larger quilt , it's from a pattern but the thing that makes her quilt special is the label. It tells a story of the journey she took as a young girl. So the next owner will look at the quilt with different eyes. They are going to understand this was her first quilt, she is just learning so yes the stitching may not be perfect, it's not totally square but it's a right of passage. This teen has fallen in love with quilting and already planning her next quilt. (So if you know of someone getting rid of a sewing machine get back to me cause I would love to be able to help her along the way ) Any ways that has been this month hard to believe that it's almost over. I did finish my GST yesterday and filed it on line lets see how that works.
Now while the kids are watching movies today I may be able to get some invoicing done. Then tomorrow spend the day invoicing and decorating the yard. Rod is gone until Monday then home for five days then gone again. He says he has a ton of paperwork for me which means I need to clear up what is sitting here in my office. I swear it never ends. My question for the day is this, if a man and a woman had the same chore list what would be the time frame for completion for both of them??? Evil laugh just wondering cause I know my husband works hard but sometimes my family doesn't see what all has been done. Enjoy the day love to hear your views.

Winds of change.

Morning, taking a break from kids & quilting. Spent the morning dropping the kids off at school playing with the two that are here all day then back to school to pick up the kindergarten kids.  Will have to start thinking about lunch but that can wait while I type this and  drink my first cup of coffee. Fall is a time for change, the leaves change color , the air is changing where you can feel the winter winds coming. The kids are back to school and learning and moving into another stage of their lives. This year is no different in our house. Jordan is now 18 in university and well do I need to say it moving into another stage of his life. His schedule makes it so there are days when one does not see him. This did not bother me until this week when Rodney headed out of town on Sunday. This week it has basically been just me and the dog at home dealing with everything, which is nothing new but I have had a ton to deal with. This summer we had two hail storms roll in and needless to say our roof did not survive or that is what the guys said when they checked our roof. So dealing with insurance and adjusters, then will have to find a roofing company to do the work before the snow flies. Then my mom fell , well between her doctor and aide's phone calls I swear the phone was connected to my ear. We have finally convinced my mother that she really does need a phone. This is something we all have been working on for years but Doris (mom) would have nothing to do with a phone. So yesterday I spent hours on the phone making the arrangements to have one installed and me being billed so Doris does not see the bill. Well even my mother has come to the conclusion that her life is changing due to her age. Now on reflection I have an aging parent that is going to be needing more and more but with her medical history one can't move her closer to be able to deal with issues first hand. Tkg I have set into place some great people.  Change sometimes is a good thing and other times not so much. This October my little world is also going to change. I will be teaching part time, it's a small step but I am really looking forward to stretching my brain muscles for a change. And last month I designed my first quilt pattern so even I am trying to evolve. Small changes I know but still changes. Question of the day what changes are you experiencing and are they good changes? They say we need to shake things up a bit to evolve what do you think? Just a thought, now guess I should go make lunch for the kids, finish my class sample that is due today and get on with my day. Go enjoy yours because you know mine will be full fun and crazy.

Magic Fence

Morning All, well my magic fence has done it's job again. Okay for those that don't know I live at the end of a block so the alley runs beside my house then sidewalk and the main street in our community. When I need to get rid of something I put the item or items beside our fence. Well let me tell you this fence has magical powers cause it doesn't matter what I put there it's gone with in minutes. Yesterday I was in Purge mode, three trips to the thrift store, many trips across the street to sneak garbage into the neighbors bin. They are doing Reno's so they have one of those large bins on the front yard at the moment. Evil laugh Steve whom was helping me purge filled that bin. Good thing I don't know these people. But the items that really one could have sold or given away needed somewhere to go, so beside the fence they went. Large kennel , 150 pound punching bag, furniture , wood, shelving you name it those items where placed.  Well today is trash day so around I go with my recycle box and what do you know but everything was gone cleared away nowhere to be found. I am loving that fence. So yes I am at it again purging, watching my friend move and pack up junk made me look at our home and think if we had to move would one take what was in this house? Sunday ten bags of cloths and misc. items left the house, Tuesday Steve and I cleaned out the storage room and back closet. Like I said three trips where made to Value Village to donate. And today two more bags are in my truck ready to go . Last night all the shelves where removed from the hall closet and back closet then painting until 2:00 am this morning. Crazy I know but Jigsaw is coming in today to organize all my closets. They did such an amazing job with the studio three weeks ago that I am having them back to help get the stuff that is behind closed doors organized. Well me being me I would clean my home before the cleaning lady came ( no I don't have a cleaning lady sigh) so purging , cleaning and painting where all done saves time and money. So today should be fun wonder how much more I will purge think we are all done but one never knows when I get in this mode. Now I know that for the most part the things in my home are things that one wants around. My poor husband has no idea what I have been up to but I have not touched his closet (yet evil evil laugh) Plans for the rest of my week, finish up paperwork and invoicing so Rod doesn't have a cow, do class samples so Anne doesn't have a cow and somewhere in there get some sleep (Fat chance) So for those that are reading this and drinking your coffee have I made you tired?? Have a great day.

To Hire an Organizer ??

Well where has the summer gone? Mine has been so full one has not had time to have people over for a BBQ but that will change in the next couple of weeks we hope. Well let me tell you what I did last week even though I was sick as a dog. I hired an Organization company called Jigsaw Organization Inc.  Now I really did not know how they where going to turn my studio into something that would work better as for years I tried  everything to keep my fabrics safe, my threads in order all the beads, paints and art supplies in some kind of manageable order. Like most quilters we get into our space pull things out to find that perfect fabric then when we look up our working area looks like it blew up . And let me tell you I hate working in a mess so before I can start playing the area gets cleaned first which limits my play time ( things like family , house work, real work and the  dog seem to need my attention ). Well that was where Sharon and her gang promised to do there best . I kept telling her that she was missing a whole market of women that need her help but would not part with the tools of the trade. So she offered to come into my world and see what a quilter needed and what was so different about our little breed . The first visit I walked them through my world where most of my spare time is spent. (Yes even I have spare time ) . I clashed a little with the one lady because she wanted to remove the dogs bed as if I would let that happen, Luna is always close by . And she wanted my small fridge out.  When they left I was worried about what I had let myself in for ahhh. Then Sharon came back in a couple of days with their proposal, and walked me through what they wanted to do. She really wanted to hang all my fabric lmao. for those quilters can you imagine! Sharon laughed at me cause she said the look on my face needless to say hangers went to the side as not in this life time. I showed her how one goes about picking fabric for a project and it was clear how hangers just would not work. But these are the things she needed to find out so she could help over quilters.
Now is where I stepped up and once Sharron left I emptied my space cleaned everything out. I tore out the closet and fixed holes then painted. Borrowed a van and to Costco I went and bought the wall units that are now in the studio. Had talked to Sharron about them (it was her van) and JD and I built the Units. My son grumbled the whole time but I told him I was not paying someone good money for something we could do ourselves. Now in Jigsaws quote they had figured in doing all this, but me,  being a control freak  I  needed to do my part. Evil laugh. Plus really did need to try and keep the bill where I could justify it. On Thursday when the Ladies arrived it was ready for them to do their magic. Sharon had a speech planned just in case I got in the way. And off they went , I swear the three of them worked non stop all day folding sorting and just made my area sing. We purged a lot, now they normally take everything away but I said no way as all the books I had and magazines would be loved by my quilting friends. So I loaded them up into my car to take to the shop. ( The ladies where on them like white on rice). It was amazing I had purged before Jigsaw came cause I bought the new desks and got rid of a ton but still six bags went to my van. No Fabric was hurt in the process. Nothing I needed, would use, or valued left. Yes some purging was done and I was honest regarding my books and what really I needed to keep.(Nothing came back into the space after they left). The ladies took the garbage away so that it was not by my fence all week, they took some containers that I no longer needed that they could use and they left with me doing the Happy Dance over my new space. So when my husband saw the space here is what I told him . I had been trying to get this space to work for me for three yrs. My projects where always organized but the rest did not work well at all. Was it worth the expense ? Yes and then some! It's clean, bright, organized, homes for everything and anyone can find what they need in this space. I can now create with out making a huge mess, there is space to teach and work . What more could I ask for. So for those that need some help consider hiring an Organization company if your in Calgary contact me I can hook you up to some amazing Ladies.

Keeping in touch.

Afternoon , Just taking a break from working on the long arm. Trying to challenge myself and expand my skills but it all takes time and practice. Doing laundry , listening to the television and enjoying a simple Sunday. Later will be burning burgers on the BBQ. Okay will not burn them but that's the plans for the day.
So yesterday we hosted a dinner for friends that are moving from Calgary to Saskatoon. We had a great time lots of people, great food good company. Our friends where saying we would have to come visit them. Which got me to thinking. Bad thing I know. Anyways they are moving about six hours away. Guess that's not far but would I make the trip? Sorry to say don't think it will happen. My in laws live only four hours away and I can count how many times we have visited in the last five years on one hand. Not that we don't love them it's just life. It seems between kids sports, work , chores and just running the house and gardens time just flies by. Just seems  you almost have to plan for a drive . Rod wants to do more car trips but I hate being in the car for more than an hour . We have friends in Kelowna and still have not made it to their home , would like to but scheduling seems to be an issue. We have other friends that just hop in their car and go leave Saturday come home Sunday and just  go with the flow. Mind you I look at our life and understand why it's hard getting away. In the next month all our weekends are filled with one thing or another that we can't change . Thank goodness for our back yard. For those that have never been to our little slice of heaven come all are welcome. Well guess that was all that was on my mind. Just wondering if other people have that problem when friends move. Do we keep in contact or do we lose it. Face book has made it so that I am now in contact with people I have not seen in years or that matter decades. Just something to get you to thinking.

Organizing

Morning,
Well back from vacation had a great time in New York. What a great city and we will go back in the future My husband said we would be making another trip just the two of us in the next couple of years.
 So today I hired an organizer. I have a friend that runs a company that specializes in organizing ones home, office and what ever you need. This is something one would not picture me needing but my studio gets clean then before one knows it well it looks like a boom went off in it. Plus I am a visual person so if I can't see it well out of site out of mind. Thinking it's time to get professionals in so that my studio is always clean and workable. Can't seem to work in it if it's a mess so some days will spend an hour cleaning so can play for two hours to have the mess all over again.. Evil laugh just how I work. So hoping this helps. We are trading services instead of handing over cash. This is how we have been saving money and still getting what we need done .  Got the fence done, gave our friend Denise's name to a few friends and he got so much work he did our fence for free. Works for us that's for sure. With the purse strings being so tight these days for a lot of us it's nice to be able to exchange services instead of cash. How are you saving money would love to hear idea's on ways to save. Plus anyways to keep my studio clean would be helpfull. Now guess one should see what needs to get done go wake up the kid then deal with my day. Chat later.

How does are Brains work?

Morning, so just wondering how the brain works. For example I never forget things I read, watch or learn but things like a persons name another story. In my world if I call you sweetie or honey  my family and friends know I can't recall your name. This has plagued me my whole life. If you are not someone that I know will be in my life for a while I just don't register your name. Don't do this on purpose just happens. Now faces never forget, so if I have met you well you will get one killer smile from me but chances are you will be sweety. My brain just does not waste space holding names. Silly just wondering if anyone else has this problem? I also do this regarding my Anniversary. I swear that date eludes my memory. Been married now for 26 yrs. Husband came home from business and kisses me and says Happy Anniversary. Ah should put date on calendar but to be honest still would forget about it. So what is my mind doing? Just a thought nothing more but what do you think and how does your mind work.

We all tick a little different which is a good thing. I am looking after a 10 month old child and let me tell you , you can see exactly what he is thinking. Its amazing watching him discover the world and how it works. The older kids you know what they are thinking cause they have not mastered the cover up .

So I consider myself a creative soul and my mind is always spinning and seeing the world in a much different way than say my son or husband. My husband sees everything in black and white, where I think our son sees the world through sound. Guess that's what makes each person special we see things differently.

Anyways just wondering , So today I will be working on a quilt that I promised a friend over two yrs ago. Been working on it non stop for the last week . Hoping to finish it tomorrow. Been letting the creative side of the brain work this week. Nice to be free with what I am doing. Then will spend the afternoon Baking for the weekend. Archery Camp this weekend for us which we all love. Get to see people we have not seen since last camp. And yes there will be lots of people I will call honey. giggle giggle. So Rod and I will bake up a storm. Today's the day you should come for coffee cause you would get a fresh cookie to go with it.

Well I shall close for now but let me know how your brain works .

What fills your energy tanks

Good morning, the sun is trying to sneak out from behind the clouds but don't know if it's going to win the battle but such is life. I don't know about you all but I hate the rain it makes me curl up under a quilt and read. Not saying reading is a bad thing cause we all should try and read more but it's the cocooning that I do . Lately due to the weather I have not been my happy creative little soul. It had been over two weeks since I last touched my sewing machine. And almost a month since I worked on anything special. Well this had effected my personality in ways that I did not Know. Two friends called to see if I was okay and doing well because they where worried. It was eyeopening to say the least. Well on the weekend I picked up a new book and a CD. Then on Sunday finally got into the Studio to play. Started and finished a block for my friend Sandra. Which jump started my spirits.Then thought I would start a new quilt following the pattern. Me follow a pattern with out changing it to make it my own what a thought. giggle giggle. So started making the blocks. Not sure about my color picks once I saw the completed blocks. That's okay cause I can always use it for the background of a new creation. Any ways went to my class last night took the fabric I had been using on these new blocks and used them in Class. Well guess what four different blocks later some abstract designs and now I know where this new quilt is heading. Sorry Eleanor Burns just could not stay in your box. As the creative box exploded I could feel my energy levels rising. Ah to have my energy tanks get filled up was what my spirit needed. So how do you charge your soul or spirit? That's the question of the day. I know for me it's playing in the garden, making a batch of cookies or a cake but most importantly for me is to let the creativity flow. The more one plays and lets the mind play the happier the spirit feels for me. My Grandmother painted , my mother draws, and I have always struggled because I am creative but could not say I was an artist like the women in my life. Now quilting is not consider an art form by most In my world the quilts I make are an expression of myself in some way.The ones I love the most take on a life of their own and one never knows where they will take me but I hold on a enjoy the ride. So today my Energy tanks are full , the creative juices are flowing and Deb's in happy mode. Welcome back evil giggle. Now tell me what fills your Energy tanks.
About the picture someone said I could not do a mini Bargello ha the creativity flowed the day it was made!

The Joys of Living in this Area !

Hello, what a crazy day our weather has been here in Calgary. Since Monday I spent it clean out flower beds, putting up the gazebo, putting out the day bed and lawn furniture, Setting up Hot Tub and just generally working hard so that this weekend all one has to do is bring out the coffee and morning paper and enjoy sitting out on our deck knowing the chores have been done. All the hanging baskets have been hug, flower beds are now ready to be filled but this is the fun things which we enjoy doing.On Wednsday after a couple of  hard days working  outside had a good Friend over for dinner and glass of wine plus a catch up. Then dropped her off at home. Came back changed into my swimming suite and hopped into our new hot tub which I set up on Monday. Here is a picture of Luna being the first one to use it. Could not explain to the dog it was not a water bed ! She loves the heat. Then another friend came over and we soaked in the tub while watching American Idol ( A couple of wine coolers in hand) So Monday was hot Tuesday was nice , Wednesday was wonderful taking full advantage of the spring and nice weather. Well this morning woke up to rain rain and more rain. Had only two kids today so they played while I did some paperwork. Then let me tell you this is what I looked out the window at just after lunch. Can you imagine ahhh. I now have hanging plants in the shower and under the gazebo. There are 30 tomato plants in our kitchen really glad did not get to those. So if you live in a warm area enjoy and just remember some of us deal with snow at the stupidest times.

 Just think it's Heritage Parks festival of quilts this weekend and I know if there is snow on the ground I will not be attending. Got to love Calgary. But if you do get a chance go to heritage park and take a look at the amazing quilts you might even see my newest crazy. Froggie went a courting. Snow still shaking my head.