The goal today was to get at some quilting. Many months ago I started quilting a project in the workshop on Texada. When I worked on other projects at home I realized that quilting wasn’t working well. I thought it was because I didn’t have the sewing table for my quilting machine. A couple of weeks ago we brought the sewing cabinet back to Powell River. I quilted a couple of cards but that really wasn’t the quilting that needed to be done; I needed to get back to some free-motion quilting.
I had a chance to test things today and it didn’t go well. In one small space I broke the thread twice and then broke two needles. Obviously the sewing cabinet wasn’t the problem. I’ve switch back to doing straight lines and the sewing is going okay but I’m not happy. The project is one that I don’t really like – a Guild Block of the Month that I don’t think anyone else finished (at least they weren’t showing it off). I think once this is done it may become a blanket for George!
I’ve had a busy day but there is still one more thing to do before I quit for the day.
First thing this morning I finished the repairs on Mum’s afghan. When it was done I decided I should throw it in the wash to be sure the fixes I made didn’t come undone in the wash. It was okay.
I was two weeks behind on one of my summer mystery projects so I wanted to finish at least one of the clues. As it turned out both steps involved half-square triangles so I forged ahead and finished both clues. It feels good to be able to set it aside until next weekend when I expect the next clue.
I debated about doing a daily block but it was a small one and it was pinwheels (which I love). How could I not do it!
I need to get the parcel ready to send to Christy tomorrow. This mailing will require a trip to the post office so I’ll stock up on some items while I’m there – two different denominations of stamps and a few more express envelopes. It will probably be the largest single purchase I’ve made during the pandemic. Any time I’ve gone to the post office (drive-through letter box) there has been quite a line-up; I hope to be there when they open and hopefully avoid any rush.
When I dragged out a couple of the bins of yarn for repairing the afghan one of them had some afghan patterns included. I’m itching to start one but I feel I can’t until I have Taylor’s new blanket done. I’d say I’m about halfway there so I’ll work on that this evening.
I had extra fabric cut for more masks but Christy and I decided that Taylor probably needed something a bit smaller. I found a couple of different patterns online but I decided to go with my familiar pattern but I was able to get the sizes from the new patterns. Now I’m hoping that the masks won’t be too small.
While I was making masks I decided to make a few for Dylan as well. BC Transit now require masks and I know he often takes the bus to school so he’ll be prepared. And the rules are ever changing so he may end up needing them inside the school.
I’m going to dig out one of Mum’s granny square afghans. I know I fixed one for Kathryn several years ago and, since I’m sending a package to Christy, she said she would like one (you’re next Elizabeth!). I’m hoping I can get to the bins of yarn in the basement; we’re still waiting for the restoration after the flood before Christmas last year and things are piled up and the aisles aren’t exactly clear.
I planned to stop at the grocery store yesterday after my Guild meeting but when I drove by the parking lot and saw the number of vehicles parked I decided to wait until this morning and go during their “senior” hour. I was home with my groceries before eight.
After I put the groceries away and while I waited for a chat with Stacia and Deloise I washed my mask and then proceeded to wash out the shelves in the fridge. With Pat away the shelves are relatively empty so it seemed like a good time to do it.
I finished up the quilt (from hell) before lunch. I only had two borders to add so it really wasn’t much work but I’ve had so much trouble with it the past couple of days I just wanted it done. I think I like it better now with the border but I’m still not convinced it will be one I keep. It isn’t too Christmassy so it could work as a donation.
Chocolate Chip Muffins
Lemon Zucchini Bread
After lunch I started baking; it is a much cooler day today so I thought having the oven on wouldn’t be a bad idea. I found a mix for the Chocolate Chip Muffins in the cupboard. I don’t know where my muffin tins have disappeared to so I just used the paper cups on a cookie sheet. They turned out somewhere between a thick cookie and a muffin but they taste okay. Next up was a new recipe I wanted to try (hence the trip to the grocery store for zucchini and lemon). It looked good when I took it out of the oven but it collapsed a lot as it cooled. I’m assuming it will still taste okay. Some of the baking will go into the freezer for days when it is too hot to bake.
I have a request for more masks and I needed more elastic. The fabric store is only open on Tuesday and Wednesday but I called and Deb will leave a package on her porch for me to pick up. I’ll go pick it up while my supper cooks so I can get started on them tomorrow.
And speaking of supper I’m trying out another new recipe – one that came into the discussion when the cousins had a check-in earlier this week. The package of chicken I had was large so I’ll do some with the new recipe and some with Shake and Bake. I won’t need to cook again for several days.
