It's back! Several of the Second Cup stores have the Spiced Eggnog coffee in for Christmas enjoyment. My dear sharp eyed son found it and made sure he would be nominated "Son of the Year' by buying some for his dear old Mom.
Last year I had been told by a local Second Cup store that they were no longer making this coffee available. I was given an e-mail address to send in a comment/complaint. The response I received was that there were several stores in Eastern Canada that still had a supply and that I could order it from them. Then I was given a gmail address to send my credit card number to. Yeah....right....that's going to happen.
I was fortunate enough to find some eggnog coffee at a local Winners store. Not Spiced Eggnog, but Eggnog. Well this year Winners is carrying Spiced Eggnog by Java Works. $7 for 12 oz. I haven't done a taste comparison between the Second Cup and the Java Works. But I'm a happy gal knowing my Eggnog Coffee needs are being met this year.
For those who are wondering if eggnog milk works...it does but way more sugar etc then flavoured coffee has.
That's my update for now....off to drink coffee (who needs to sleep?) and get some sewing done!
Saturday, November 22, 2014
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Welcome to the North Pole - Finished
One of my 2013 Christmas presents from my husband was membership to a quilt block of the month club. Each month I would go to the local quilt shop. The owner had a demonstration on how to make the different blocks and we were given the fabric required to make it.
Fast forward 11 months and below is the final product. More or less.
I plan on adding some more glitter to the snow. I love ice crystals sparkling in fresh snow. And darn it...this is my quilt so I'm gluing on glitter to the snow! I will have to wait until after December 19th though. That's when all the quilters who worked on this block of the month will bring their quilts to the quilt shop for a "show and tell".
I do not want glitter spread all over the quilt shop. No one would thank me for that! So the quilt is as finished as it's going to be until after the grand reveal on the 19th.
I have a feeling (or is it wishful thinking?) that there will be a new block of the month club membership under the tree for me this Christmas.
Fast forward 11 months and below is the final product. More or less.
I plan on adding some more glitter to the snow. I love ice crystals sparkling in fresh snow. And darn it...this is my quilt so I'm gluing on glitter to the snow! I will have to wait until after December 19th though. That's when all the quilters who worked on this block of the month will bring their quilts to the quilt shop for a "show and tell".
I do not want glitter spread all over the quilt shop. No one would thank me for that! So the quilt is as finished as it's going to be until after the grand reveal on the 19th.
I have a feeling (or is it wishful thinking?) that there will be a new block of the month club membership under the tree for me this Christmas.
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Another quilt finished
Another quilt based on the flying geese block is finished. Just don't let the quilt police see it. I get creative when it comes to disguising some problem areas. A number of other quilters have reached out to me on this topic. I refuse to mention their names and the quilt police will never get any information from me!
On this quilt there was one spot where the quilting tension was awful. The stitching had to be pulled out. But the quilt was off the frame by the time I noticed it. Since the area was close to the edge of the quilt, that's where the quilt label went. (I've used a quilt label to hide puckers in the backing in the past as well...don't tell.)
I always wash quilts after they are finished. I want to ensure that there is nothing awry. Sometimes some quilting comes out. Guess I didn't secure the stitching on that row very well. At other times it's a seam in the top that gives way. Probably that fabric that wasn't the greatest quality and it frayed. Or maybe my 1/4" seam...wasn't a 1/4". What ever the reason for the problem, a wash and dry brings issues to light prior to the quilt being gifted.
On this quilt it was the binding. It looked just fine at first glance. But a closer look led me to believe that the edge of the top might start to fray and pull out from under the binding. So a decorative machine stitch was added all the way around to hold everything down properly.
Not so long ago a member of the quilt police reprimanded me for machine stitching the binding on a quilt. I was informed that in all cases, the proper way is to hand stitch. (If this particular quilter washed her quilts prior to giving them away, she would change her tune.)
Because I wanted to feel good about my quilting I e-mailed several of the on line groups that I belong to. And these quilters came through. They machine stitch binding and use decorative stitches to secure "ify" seams. They also use labels to cover up problem areas. Add appliqué to hide points that don't match. You name it, these quilters have done it. And they made me feel great about the things I do so I can enjoy the final product. A finished quilt! Thank you....and your secrets are safe with me! The quilt police don't know my pass words.
On this quilt there was one spot where the quilting tension was awful. The stitching had to be pulled out. But the quilt was off the frame by the time I noticed it. Since the area was close to the edge of the quilt, that's where the quilt label went. (I've used a quilt label to hide puckers in the backing in the past as well...don't tell.)
I always wash quilts after they are finished. I want to ensure that there is nothing awry. Sometimes some quilting comes out. Guess I didn't secure the stitching on that row very well. At other times it's a seam in the top that gives way. Probably that fabric that wasn't the greatest quality and it frayed. Or maybe my 1/4" seam...wasn't a 1/4". What ever the reason for the problem, a wash and dry brings issues to light prior to the quilt being gifted.
On this quilt it was the binding. It looked just fine at first glance. But a closer look led me to believe that the edge of the top might start to fray and pull out from under the binding. So a decorative machine stitch was added all the way around to hold everything down properly.
Not so long ago a member of the quilt police reprimanded me for machine stitching the binding on a quilt. I was informed that in all cases, the proper way is to hand stitch. (If this particular quilter washed her quilts prior to giving them away, she would change her tune.)
Because I wanted to feel good about my quilting I e-mailed several of the on line groups that I belong to. And these quilters came through. They machine stitch binding and use decorative stitches to secure "ify" seams. They also use labels to cover up problem areas. Add appliqué to hide points that don't match. You name it, these quilters have done it. And they made me feel great about the things I do so I can enjoy the final product. A finished quilt! Thank you....and your secrets are safe with me! The quilt police don't know my pass words.
Monday, October 20, 2014
Back packs "almost" finished
It's been a load of fun creating six new back packs for an upcoming trip to Walt Disney World.
The theme is Disney Animal Kingdom - The 2 Day Park.
Animal Kingdom is brushed off as a half day park by many. There are 3 major rides and two shows that most people go to. Then they take off to one of the more popular parks. And they miss so much. There is no way anyone can take in all this park has to offer in a half day. Hence the title "The 2 Day Park".
All six bags are finished up to the length of the straps. They have been made to look like they've been through a lot. There are threads hanging, patches on some of them. They look rough. Think of what something would look like when the gorillas are finished play with it. That's the what these bags look like.
All that is left is to have their new owners try them on, measure how long the straps should be and then secure the straps at that length. Then they are done! This could be a long process as there are currently no plans for trip planning visits with everyone. Hopefully soon. This project needs to be finished! There are more projects to have fun with.....
This pack is mine. It lists all the Disney podcasts I listen to.
Notice the little lizard at the bottom. There is one on each of the packs. These little guys are all over the parks and are fun to watch.
The six back packs
There is a pocket at the back of each pack sunglasses so they don't get lost or damaged
.
The theme is Disney Animal Kingdom - The 2 Day Park.
Animal Kingdom is brushed off as a half day park by many. There are 3 major rides and two shows that most people go to. Then they take off to one of the more popular parks. And they miss so much. There is no way anyone can take in all this park has to offer in a half day. Hence the title "The 2 Day Park".
All six bags are finished up to the length of the straps. They have been made to look like they've been through a lot. There are threads hanging, patches on some of them. They look rough. Think of what something would look like when the gorillas are finished play with it. That's the what these bags look like.
All that is left is to have their new owners try them on, measure how long the straps should be and then secure the straps at that length. Then they are done! This could be a long process as there are currently no plans for trip planning visits with everyone. Hopefully soon. This project needs to be finished! There are more projects to have fun with.....
This pack is mine. It lists all the Disney podcasts I listen to.
Notice the little lizard at the bottom. There is one on each of the packs. These little guys are all over the parks and are fun to watch.
There is a pocket at the back of each pack sunglasses so they don't get lost or damaged
.
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Sidewalk and sewing update
It's been over a month again since I last posted. And it has been a fun month.
Volunteer sewing started up again. Yeah! The ladies made 63 draw string bags by the time I left. These will go to one of the shelters. Those staying there have something to hold the tooth brushes, toothpaste, hair brushes etc. Some arrive at the shelters with absolutely nothing.
Next thing I want to comment on is about the fence across the side walk. This side walk goes through a local school playground. The fence was to stop kids from riding bikes out onto a busy avenue. It worked, but it also forced everyone using the side walk to walk off the side walk and into the dirt to get around the fence. Or walk into snow. Or mud. Depending on the season. Loads of fun when you are pushing a wheel chair, stroller, walker, riding a scooter, hurrying to catch one of the buses that go on this busy avenue....you get the picture.
When I saw a care giver pushing a wheel chair get stuck in the mud, I contacted the city. The gentleman who got back to me could not promise a start or finish date. Well, it started this morning and it's finished.
A sign has been posted telling bikers to slow down. I'm sure hoping that a sign will be enough to prevent an accident. I met up with the foreman who was in charge. I suggested a staggered gateway like others we have in the area. These gates allows people to use the side walk but slows down bikes. I was told that if the school has issues with the removal of the fence they can contact the city. Something would be then be "worked out". ( Or if a tragedy occurs.) But until that happens, the warning sign will have to do.
On to sewing. I have a quilt on the frame that is coming along slowly. The Bailey (knock on wood) is behaving perfectly. I have so many quilt tops to get quilted, I had best get busy. This is hard, because it's been so nice and I've been trying to get more walking in before the snow and ice slows me down.
There are 7 back packs being made at the moment. These are for another Walt Disney World trip in 2015. The theme for these packs is "Disney Animal Kingdom - The 2 Day Park". This is in response to the morons who refer to Animal Kingdom as "the half day park". They go on the 3 main rides, maybe watch one of the theatre shows and say that's all there is. Ask them what is on the trails, exhibits, or about the different animals. They have no clue. Idiots! Think I have an attitude about this park? Yeah, maybe. It's the favourite park for most of the people going with me and certainly not held in disdain by any of the others.
In order to get the embroidery done on the packs, I purchased a Brother Embroidery machine. So much fun! I'm hoping the little ones in the neighbourhood get into dinosaurs like most little boys do. I purchased a bunch of dinosaur designs and am itching to embroider some t-shirts for them.
The Welcome to the North Pole block of the month is progressing nicely. So far each month's blocks have been finished before it's time to pick up the fabric for the next blocks. Although I confess to working on a couple of them on the last day of the month.
Here's hoping my next post will have some photos of completed projects. I need to feel that something is off the to do list!
Volunteer sewing started up again. Yeah! The ladies made 63 draw string bags by the time I left. These will go to one of the shelters. Those staying there have something to hold the tooth brushes, toothpaste, hair brushes etc. Some arrive at the shelters with absolutely nothing.
Next thing I want to comment on is about the fence across the side walk. This side walk goes through a local school playground. The fence was to stop kids from riding bikes out onto a busy avenue. It worked, but it also forced everyone using the side walk to walk off the side walk and into the dirt to get around the fence. Or walk into snow. Or mud. Depending on the season. Loads of fun when you are pushing a wheel chair, stroller, walker, riding a scooter, hurrying to catch one of the buses that go on this busy avenue....you get the picture.
When I saw a care giver pushing a wheel chair get stuck in the mud, I contacted the city. The gentleman who got back to me could not promise a start or finish date. Well, it started this morning and it's finished.
A sign has been posted telling bikers to slow down. I'm sure hoping that a sign will be enough to prevent an accident. I met up with the foreman who was in charge. I suggested a staggered gateway like others we have in the area. These gates allows people to use the side walk but slows down bikes. I was told that if the school has issues with the removal of the fence they can contact the city. Something would be then be "worked out". ( Or if a tragedy occurs.) But until that happens, the warning sign will have to do.
On to sewing. I have a quilt on the frame that is coming along slowly. The Bailey (knock on wood) is behaving perfectly. I have so many quilt tops to get quilted, I had best get busy. This is hard, because it's been so nice and I've been trying to get more walking in before the snow and ice slows me down.
There are 7 back packs being made at the moment. These are for another Walt Disney World trip in 2015. The theme for these packs is "Disney Animal Kingdom - The 2 Day Park". This is in response to the morons who refer to Animal Kingdom as "the half day park". They go on the 3 main rides, maybe watch one of the theatre shows and say that's all there is. Ask them what is on the trails, exhibits, or about the different animals. They have no clue. Idiots! Think I have an attitude about this park? Yeah, maybe. It's the favourite park for most of the people going with me and certainly not held in disdain by any of the others.
In order to get the embroidery done on the packs, I purchased a Brother Embroidery machine. So much fun! I'm hoping the little ones in the neighbourhood get into dinosaurs like most little boys do. I purchased a bunch of dinosaur designs and am itching to embroider some t-shirts for them.
The Welcome to the North Pole block of the month is progressing nicely. So far each month's blocks have been finished before it's time to pick up the fabric for the next blocks. Although I confess to working on a couple of them on the last day of the month.
Here's hoping my next post will have some photos of completed projects. I need to feel that something is off the to do list!
Monday, August 18, 2014
More lovely non sewing weather
It's been lovely here. Just ask the mosquitoes. This is the worst August in 10 years in Edmonton according to city officials. For having too many mosquitoes that is. Other than that the weather has been wonderful!
The very hot weather is working it's magic with my night scented evening stocks. They look so scraggly during the day. Come night, they open up and release the most heavenly scent. No wonder the cats like to bend the stocks over to make a bed to lay down on. I would do so as well if I could stand those pesky mosquitoes.
I've upped my walking goals to 12,000 steps at the minimum every day. With the great weather and having to keep moving or get bit, I've been logging in quite a bit more than that. I'll miss the walking once winter comes and the side walks are too icy.
Speaking of side walks....the city did get back to me about the fence and side walk issue. While there is no start or finish date, the problem will be addressed. I'm just hoping it will be before the snow comes. We now have several neighbours in the area that are using wheelchairs. Having to go off the side walk, into the mud or snow to get anywhere will be an issue for them.
I did finish the wallet I mentioned in my last post. And it's cute plus very usable.
It was fun to make and I'm hoping to find time to make a few more.
And does it ever hold a lot! Even my cell phone and my card case.
Hope everyone is enjoying their summer!
The very hot weather is working it's magic with my night scented evening stocks. They look so scraggly during the day. Come night, they open up and release the most heavenly scent. No wonder the cats like to bend the stocks over to make a bed to lay down on. I would do so as well if I could stand those pesky mosquitoes.
I've upped my walking goals to 12,000 steps at the minimum every day. With the great weather and having to keep moving or get bit, I've been logging in quite a bit more than that. I'll miss the walking once winter comes and the side walks are too icy.
Speaking of side walks....the city did get back to me about the fence and side walk issue. While there is no start or finish date, the problem will be addressed. I'm just hoping it will be before the snow comes. We now have several neighbours in the area that are using wheelchairs. Having to go off the side walk, into the mud or snow to get anywhere will be an issue for them.
I did finish the wallet I mentioned in my last post. And it's cute plus very usable.
And does it ever hold a lot! Even my cell phone and my card case.
Hope everyone is enjoying their summer!
Thursday, August 7, 2014
It's been over a month!
I'm going to blame the lovely summer weather for not posting more often. Who wants to be on the computer when we can be outside sleeping on the swing. Or walking in the sun. I for one have been really enjoying the summer.
I had plans of taking all my scraps outside and cutting them down to usable sizes while enjoying the weather. Good intentions are not able to keep me from the heavy gravity area on that swing! Although I did get some binding stitched on a quilt a couple of days ago while sitting outside.
There are those who are having problems dealing with this heat though. Especially one dear friend who has shingles. I can't imagine what she's going through. When I had shingles it was winter. That was bad enough. Having it in summer! I'm praying for a speedy recovery for her. And here's a recommendation for everyone. Get the immunization for shingles! Did you know that you can get it more than once? Yep. Get that shot!
Enough of the public service announcement and back to the sewing room. I'm currently trying to make a wallet. I should be finished this weekend and can't wait. The wallet I'm currently using does not have a place for coins. I must be fussy because I can't find one I like in the local stores (at least not at a price I'm willing to pay).
There is one more finished quilt in my collection of flying geese quilts.
I guess the cats are not impressed with it. They didn't even give it a test nap.
On the FitBit side of things. I've walked a minimum of 10,000 steps every day since February 10th. Probably time to up my goal to 12,000. So the challenge is to see if I can do 12,00 steps every day until Halloween. Then I'll up it again.
The City of Edmonton has been hearing from me. First it was a fence in a school field that was broken. The top metal rail was broken and sticking out at about 3 feet off the ground onto a side walk. I could just imagine a child riding a bike into it and impaling themselves. One e-mail to the city and it was fixed within 48 hours. That was a pleasant surprise.
Today I sent the city this photo:
This fence across a busy side walk forces people to walk into the mud, snow and water. The fence was put there to keep people from riding their bikes straight onto a busy avenue into traffic. I'm sure it saves lives. But there are other ways to keep people safe. A staggered fence would work:
The side walk is used by several hundred people a week. It's in an elementary school field. Next to this school field is a shopping centre. Across the avenue from the field is another school. Plus there are dozens of people who use the bus stops on this avenue daily to get to and from work. I'm sure they appreciate having to wade through the mud in their business clothes.
It will be interesting to see what the city's response will be to this concern. I don't expect a response as fast as the one regarding the broken fence. This will be a lot more work and expense. So it would be completely understandable if it takes some time. Just as long as it does get fixed eventually.
I had plans of taking all my scraps outside and cutting them down to usable sizes while enjoying the weather. Good intentions are not able to keep me from the heavy gravity area on that swing! Although I did get some binding stitched on a quilt a couple of days ago while sitting outside.
There are those who are having problems dealing with this heat though. Especially one dear friend who has shingles. I can't imagine what she's going through. When I had shingles it was winter. That was bad enough. Having it in summer! I'm praying for a speedy recovery for her. And here's a recommendation for everyone. Get the immunization for shingles! Did you know that you can get it more than once? Yep. Get that shot!
Enough of the public service announcement and back to the sewing room. I'm currently trying to make a wallet. I should be finished this weekend and can't wait. The wallet I'm currently using does not have a place for coins. I must be fussy because I can't find one I like in the local stores (at least not at a price I'm willing to pay).
There is one more finished quilt in my collection of flying geese quilts.
I guess the cats are not impressed with it. They didn't even give it a test nap.
On the FitBit side of things. I've walked a minimum of 10,000 steps every day since February 10th. Probably time to up my goal to 12,000. So the challenge is to see if I can do 12,00 steps every day until Halloween. Then I'll up it again.
The City of Edmonton has been hearing from me. First it was a fence in a school field that was broken. The top metal rail was broken and sticking out at about 3 feet off the ground onto a side walk. I could just imagine a child riding a bike into it and impaling themselves. One e-mail to the city and it was fixed within 48 hours. That was a pleasant surprise.
Today I sent the city this photo:
The side walk is used by several hundred people a week. It's in an elementary school field. Next to this school field is a shopping centre. Across the avenue from the field is another school. Plus there are dozens of people who use the bus stops on this avenue daily to get to and from work. I'm sure they appreciate having to wade through the mud in their business clothes.
It will be interesting to see what the city's response will be to this concern. I don't expect a response as fast as the one regarding the broken fence. This will be a lot more work and expense. So it would be completely understandable if it takes some time. Just as long as it does get fixed eventually.
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