NOT JUST ABOUT KNITTING

2026-11-06T12:39:05.826-05:00

On Wednesday, many ukulele players, including Alexa and myself descended upon Jey's Kitchen for a ukulele jam session. Our leader, Arlene, projects the lyrics and chords on a big screen and we all play and sing along. Most of the people took ukulele lessons through the Whitby Seniors so most of us were geezers.

Of course, Ernest, Veronica, and Thomas wanted in on the action.

We played from 7pm until about 9 including several tunes with kazoo bits. My fingers on my left hand were kinda sore the next day.

Arlene's gang does the jam session on the first Wednesday of the month. Alexa and I will be on our Christmas Market cruise for the next one but I hope to attend in January. I want to keep up my ukulele 'chops' so I'll be ready for music camp again next summer.

I finished the red scarf and this morning, dropped it and a library book that was coming due at the Central Library. Then popped over to Michaels to pick up the yellow, white, blue, and green yarn I need for the Arne and Carlos Mystery Christmas Stocking Knitalong. The first installment began at 12 noon Eastern time - 4 minutes ago.

I'm using the leftover red yarn from the red scarf project as well.

I have done the last three stockings from 2023 to 2025.

This was taken before I added the afterthought heel (where arrow points). I'm pretty sure I finished it but didn't take a photo for some reason. It's packed away with the Christmas stuff downstairs.

My DK yarn stash isn't organized enough for me to find the remnants from last year's stocking so I had to stock up at Michaels; 25% off - which is what 'Buy One Get One at 50% off' works out to.

I have been poking away at the border of my Mystical Lanterns blanket - currently doing single crochet on the 4th round. I used a different colour yarn for every side on round 2, changing colours at the corners because I didn't know if I'd have enough of any one colour to go all the way around.

I'm copying the border I did on the Persian Tiles blanket:

Round 1 - single crochet - three into the side of each double crochet, one in the centre of the half-lantern, and one each in the ends of the single crochet rows on the half-lanterns.

Round 2 - **3 double crochet in a single crochet from the round below, chain one and skip 3 sc from the round below. Repeat from ** . In the corners: 3 dc, ch3, and 3dc in the same spot.

Round 3 - Starting in a corner, 3dc, ch 3, and in the same spot, 3dc. Then 3dc in every chain space from the round below.

Round 4, 5, and 6 - sc in every stitch. At corners, 3 sc on the corner chain 3 from the round below.

Here's what my finished border looked like on the Persian tiles blanket.

When I got bored with doing that, I picked up the Sophie scarf again and did a few more rows. This finger counter has been so helpful. The (little hearing-aid-type button) battery in this one just keeps on going, and going, and going.

And finally, my Piccola orchid has started to bloom. The blooms are only about 2.5cm (1") in diameter.

As I did last year, and to prolong the blooming stage, I have taken it out of the sunny window. This will slow things down. The other, regular-sized orchid has a flower stalk forming. I anticipate it will bloom within the next month. It last bloomed on January 20 and the blossoms lasted and continued to bloom well into September by using my technique of moving it out of the sunny window.

And now, I must start knitting.

Stay tuned for the progress on the mystery knitalong.

Breathing Again and Random Stuff

2026-11-04T15:26:38.614-05:00

After arriving home from band last night I watched the election results from the US with great interest. I felt like I'd been holding my breath these last few months and before heading to bed, I felt like I could breathe again.

It will be interesting to see what changes happen next January. Hopefully some that would be palatable to Canadians like scrapping tariffs, ending social media searches at the border, stopping random ICE detainments, etc. I'd love to be able to go back to that country with a clear conscience.

Flipping over to some YouTube videos this morning, someone was showing her finish of this piece; Hands On Design 'A Classic Christmas'. I might just have to put it on my wish list.

I do have 'Painted Flowers' all kitted up and am looking forward to starting it at the Toronto Guild of Embroidery's retreat at the Nottawasaga Inn in the not-too-distant future. Shown are the last 5 colours that weren't already in my stash.

At stitching on Monday, Jennifer brought her lastest Pocket Buddy - an adorable koala. Those ears!!!!

I just might have to add Debra Gorman's 'Pocket Buddies No. 4' from French Lavender Home to my collection of Little Buddies.

While watching the copious amounts of TV lately, I'm about 85% done my first red scarf.

It's a little over 5" wide and needs to be 6" wide. I should be done later tonight.

However, before then, I'll be off to Jey's Kitchen in Oshawa (Rossland and Stevenson) for a ukulele jam session with many other uke players taught by Arlene and Bill. Alexa has reserved a table for us for supper at 6 and we play at 7. Arlene also wants to make sure we bring our kazoos. I'm all set. It should be fun.

It's a Start

2026-11-03T16:15:57.807-05:00

I'm fortunate to have a lawn service regularly mow my lawn. The last two times, the proprietor mentioned he could also do leaf raking and removal. As I only have one tree on my lot and it's on the boulevard, I decided to tackle the job myself as I have done in previous years.

The tree on my boulevard is at least 10m (~30ft) high and sheds its leaves gradually throughout the fall; usually holding on to the last ones until early December. (photo taken today from my 2nd storey bedroom window).

However my driveway and gutter along the curb have been filling with leaves - mostly from my tree.

Today, being yet another fabulous fall day, I decided to make a start on clearing up some of the leaves. I have a narrow-ish, plastic snow shovel that is perfect for scooping up leaves and dumping them into yard waste bags. I find it a lot easier than trying to lift them with a rake.

I scooped up most of the leaves from my driveway, the street in front of the house, and the curb along the street. It wasn't too strenuous. I was even able to shovel leaves from directly under the tree and all along the sidewalk in front of my house.

This is my neighbour's curb and what my place looked like before I started.

And what it looks like in front of my place - at least for now...

There are still lots of leaves on the lawn. I'll get them at some point; possibly blowing them into a pile with my leaf blower and then shoveling them into yard waste bags. But for now I'm happy with what was accomplished and goodness knows, I can certainly use the workout.

It's a start.

Kimat Fall Stitch Day

2026-11-01T12:36:31.986-05:00

Yesterday Poppy and I carpooled (Poppy drove) to the Lemonville Community Centre for Meagan and Kim's stitch day.

Meagan and Kim had their pop-up shop at the far end and Tiny Modernist, being our featured designer had the setup on the right.

The hall is very well lit. Most of us didn't even need to use our lamps.

We each received a cute, Hallowe'en chart from Tiny Modernist - exclusive to our stitch day.

Cheryl passed around the model that had been photographed for the cover of the chart. The wooden hangers, made fairly locally, are available for sale at Kimat Designs.

A light, late breakfast was served, then lunch plus refreshments. Being Hallowe'en, there was lots of candy available for us.

It was nice visiting with stitchers that I customarily see at this event.

I got another tree and some more of the band stitched on 'Merry Christmas'. I forgot to bring my iPad so I could use Markup R-XP to keep track of my stitches so I had to stitch from my iPhone - very 'squinchy'.

And I finally finished the moth on long-languishing 'Newcastle Bouquet'.

I think it was the frequent colour changes that caused such a delay in its completion. So glad to have the *^%$ thing done.

I didn't purchase anything from either Kimat of Tiny Modernist. I am really trying to stitch down my WIP/UFO pile.

Back at home, I started a red scarf for the local Red Scarf Project. In the month of November knitted or crochet red scarves measuring at least 6" x 60" can be dropped off at our central library. On Nov. 27 they'll be collected, tags will be attached, and the scarves will be placed in prominent outdoor areas downtown for anyone needing or wishing to take one.

I remembered that I had a couple of balls of red Mary Maxim DK yarn in my stash and was actually able to locate them quickly.

Although a double crochet scarf would make up quite quickly, I decided instead to do a linen stitch scarf using this pattern, Linen Scarf by Heidi Cantaway. It's a free pattern on Ravelry.

It's crocheted longways. It will take me a ball and a half of the yarn to make one wide enough but this is how far I got with a 4.5mm crochet hook - about 7/8" wide and used 20g of this 100g ball.

I remember buying several balls of yarn with the Red Scarf project in mind over a decade ago and used a couple of the balls to weave scarves for this project.

photo from November 2015

I haven't had the heart to fix the mistake I made on the Spring Courier. I miscounted by one column and it has screwed up the bottom right corner so I need to adjust the pattern before I proceed.

In the meantime, I keep on working on the other more satisfactory projects and do more crocheting.

After being out all day, I kicked back and warmed up some leftover chicken quesadillas for supper. I was lounging comfortably until I realize it was Hallowe'en and didn't have the outdoor lights on. Good grief. So at 7pm, I started handing out treats; double what I ordinarily would dole out because I didn't want to be left with a bunch of chips and mini chocolate bars. I turned the lights off again at 8:30.

I watched the most recent season of 'The Diplomat'. Holy cliffhangers! If you haven't watched this series on Netflix I recommend starting right at the beginning to get caught up. Now I can't wait (again) for the next season.

PS. Crepes in my new, non-stitck, Canadian-made fry pan were delicious this morning.

Some Things That Gave Me Joy Today

2026-10-30T16:40:03.828-04:00

I retrieved my oboe from the oboe hospital today. It needed a complete overhaul, understandable since I don't remember if I'd ever had it serviced in the 54 years I've owned it.

Pro-rated - $26.85 isn't a lot to pay per year to keep the thing working properly. All the pads and corks were replaced. He even used silver solder to repair a key with a crack in it. The repairer, Alessandro, was very surprised when I told him how long I had owned it. He was also surprised when he learned how old I was. He thought I was younger than my actual age. The compliment and repaired oboe made my drive into The Big City well worth it.

On my way home, (avoiding the DVP) I stopped in at Michaels in Pickering to get the last 5 colours I needed for my Painted Flowers project.

I haven't decided when I'll start it as I'm quite happy with my progress on 'Merry Christmas'.

The band below the trees has been easy to stitch while watching TV. The rest I do with Markup R-XP on my iPad just to keep track of things. I did find one mistake on the pattern which I'll let the nice people know about at Hobby House Press. Will check first to see if it's on an 'errata' list.

Perhaps 'Painted Flowers' will be my start when I attend the Toronto Guild of Stitchery's retreat at the Nottawasaga Inn next month.

Further along my way home I picked up tacos from Cocodrilo, the food truck in front of the Ajax Canadian Tire at Salem and Kingston Rd. They're the best tacos I've had north of the Rio Grande Valley.

I ate 3 and froze 3 for a future meal.

Also, while at Canadian Tire, I purchased a new, non-stick frying pan that I'd been coveting for a while. Gratefully, it was on sale for 30% off.

It's the one with the raised stainless steel grid to create a non-stick surface, not the chemically-treated non-stick one.

The added bonus is that it is manufactured in Canada - in Charlottetown PEI

My easier, less traffic-y drive home was enhanced even further by sunny skies and stunning leaf colours.

Crossing the Rouge Valley provided breathtaking vistas. I would have taken some photos had I not been driving.

After all that activity, I'm going to take it easy for the rest of the day.

Tomorrow is a Kimat Designs sponsored stitch day, then tomorrow night will be busy with trick or treaters coming to my door.

Hallowe'en Concert

2026-10-28T14:00:56.245-04:00

On Sunday, the Pickering Community Concert Band played a Hallowe'en Concert at the Pickering Museum Village's Hallowe'en Event.

We were instructed to either wear black or orange or Hallowe'en costumes.

I had snagged these kitty cat ears at music camp in the summer, thinking they'd be great for a Hallowe'en costume. I just wore black, donned the ears and drew a kitty cat nose and whiskers on my face with eye liner.

It was Ernest's turn to get in on the action.

Our conductor, Giancarlo Binetti, dressed as Sorcerer Mickey - in keeping with the theme of the day and since we played selections from 'Fantasia'.

For 'The Addams Family' , Giancarlo distributed noise makers to the children (mostly) in the audience. During our performance, my Apple watch often informed me that the noise level was harmful to my hearing.

Dunc was strongly discouraged by his family not to dress as a blind referee (something about not being politically correct) so instead, ordered the skeleton costume from Amazon - into which he sweated profusely. Sorry if that's TMI but that's what he announced.

Again, it was a beautiful fall day - perfect for folks to wander around the Museum Village and listen to scary music.

It was a fun program to play and I was thrilled I got to wear my understated kitty cat costume. The woman at Subway (where I had a pre-concert lunch) even said I looked cute.

Sadly I'll be out of town for our town's Christmas event and later the band's Christmas concert. I will, however, be able to make it to the spring concert but will again, have to leave a stitching retreat (Elim) on the Sunday morning to get there.

Stitch North Fall 2026

2026-10-28T13:39:58.301-04:00

On Friday morning, MaryK and I carpooled to the Delta Marriott in Markham for this fall's Stitch North retreat. Barb and Poppy had arrived before us and grabbed a table for the four of us, Clare Burns (whom I had met at the Spring Stitch North). We were joined by our two new stitcherly friends from out west, Taylor from Vancouver and her mother, Jeanine from Calgary.

The featured designer was Theresa Venette 'Kitten Stitcher' of Shakespeare's Peddler. Stitchers were in two ballrooms, one above the other. Evertote had a large vending area at the end of our upstairs ballroom.

Many of Theresa's patterns were available for sale as well as lots of Roxy floss packs - the colours converted from Theresa's designs. There were other vendors in a room down the hall and in the downstairs ballroom.

Theresa gave a talk on Friday afternoon about how she selects heirloom samplers to chart.

This was the original of one she purchased.

and her charted and stitched model.

This was the Stitch North Fall 2026 exclusive.

We also got to see the stitched samples she designed for this year's Jingle Ball - 'Christmas Postcards'. The 'stamps' on perforated paper/vinyl were very cute.

MaryK worked diligently on her Santa ornament, put in the finishing stitches, and got to honk the horn.

I had admired this Shakespeare's Peddler design for over a year (this model was someone's on the Brag Table)

and decided to purchase the pattern and some hand-dyed Roxy fabric - 40ct 'Dusk'.

After a day of stitching, we got comfortable in our room upstairs.

Of course Poppy's 'Daphne', Barb's 'Charlotte and Roger', my 'Thomas, Veronica, and Ernest', and MaryK's 'Violet' were featured prominently on our table.

MaryK overheard Jeannette Douglas speaking to someone about her 'Alphabet Garden' sampler. MaryK mentioned she had stitched it over one on 36ct. This shot is of Jeannette asking MaryK to send her a photo of the finished piece. I'm not sure which was the fan girl.

These were some of the items in our swag bag.

We also received an 8m skein of hand-dyed floss by Rolanda. Mine was 'Candy Apple' which I deemed perfect for my Hobby House Press 'Merry Christmas' sampler. I also purchased a 25m skein of 'Candy Apple' for future stitching.

After the smalls exchange (in which I didn't participate) folks dropped off items they wanted to destash. I snagged this complete (yet unopened) kit. It would make a sweet wee sampler or cover of a needlework folio.

JBW chart and little star charms,

an Erica Michaels folder of Berry finish templates and instructions,

and a couple of blackwork designs which would work for some triangular scissor cases.

We posed for our table's group shot. Back row: Barb, MaryK, Geri, Taylor, Jeanine. Front row: Clare and Poppy.

I had to leave on Sunday morning to get to Pickering Museum Village for the band's Hallowe'en Concert.

Stay tuned for that.

Northumberland Hills Stitchery Guild Stitch Day and October Trillium Meeting

2026-10-28T12:58:00.851-04:00

Last Wednesday, MaryK and I headed to the Elmhirst Resort on the NE shore of Rice Lake to attend the stitch day sponsored by the Northumberland Hills Stitchery Guild.

It was yet another beautiful fall day. Upon arrival we located ourselves at a table near the windows overlooking the lake.

I'm guessing a lot of summer weddings take place down on that deck under the pergola.

There was a Show and Share table.

These Altoid tin critters were adorable in their little beds with a pillow, quilt, and scenery. Both are designs from past CrossStitcher magazines.

The woman beside me painted this beautiful watercolour

then was rendering it in silk appliqué.

Our day wasn't over yet. After returning to our respective homes, we had supper then attended our guild's October meeting that evening.

There was lots of Show and Share as well.

Siobhain's 'Joy' by AuryTM Designs

Cathy's wool felt appliqué 'Midnight Garden' designed by Karen Yaffe.

Cathy also displayed a wool felt appliqué scene of Port Perry by Crane Designs.

Bev's spool stitchery (original designs) on Ribband perfectly fit the spools purchased from Richard Pikul at our October stitch day; and a biscornu designed by Embroidery by Olga.

MaryK's Mill Hill 'Floral Blue 1' - a Buttons and Beads kit designed by Debbie Mumm.

And her 'Christmas Folk' by Hands On Design from Jingle Ball 2024.

Jeanette's embroidered winter sheep scene from 'After the Snow', part of the 'Postcards from England' series by The Stitchery.

Mary K's iconic 'Canada Sampler' designed by Stitchrovia.

And also from MaryK: little pillow with Jeannette Douglas' 'Autumn Bouquet' design; 'Float' by Plum Street Samplers; 'Sevillian Tiles' biscornu designed by SunStitchStudioShop; 'Sting Like a Bee' by Heartstring Samplery; and Tiny Modernist's 'Mouse's Pumpkin Pie'.

A Family Wedding

2026-10-25T19:09:40.143-04:00

The weekend after Thanksgiving I attended the wedding of my grand-niece, Andrea and her beau, Chris. It took place at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa and was a very intimate and elegant affair.

I drove there on the Saturday via Hwy 7 so I could drop into Paisleys Quilt Shop. Then I made my way to the Lord Elgin Hotel where there was a block of rooms reserved for the wedding attendees - right across the street from the NAC.

I made my way on foot to the Prohibition Public House for canapés and drinks after the rehearsal. Chris' parents and a couple of his cousins joined my family and myself in the Dominican Republic for a week at Christmas in 2024. It was nice seeing them all again. After mingling with the families and enjoying some snacks and a beverage, I toddled back to the hotel for the night. The next morning I Uber-ed to Working Title Kitchen for brunch with my cousin, Jeannie. I hadn't seen her since her mother's (my Aunt Margaret's) funeral in 2015. We had a lovely time catching up on the major events in the last 11 years of our lives. Jeannie then drove me back to the hotel so I could rest up a bit before the 4pm wedding.

I made my way to the NAC at about 3:15. In the lobby, I spotted the sign showing where the wedding and reception were going to take place - upstairs in the Rossy Pavilion and O'Born Room.

Once up there, final preparations were being made for the ceremony.

The string duo played while we milled around and visited.

The weather was spectacular that day and the view northward from the second floor was stunning. Parliament Hill is beyond the distant crane. The Canadian War Memorial is more in the foreground and to the right.

Chateau Laurier Hotel just across the street to the north of the NAC.

Darryl, the father of the bride and husband of my niece, Rosa (aka Tay), was very excited and posed with me for a quick photo.

Rosa and the brother of the bride, Derek, emerged and also posed for photos.

Rosa and Ana are my sister's two daughters.

My other grand-niece, Melisa, chatted with her husband, Will, and her cousin, Derek. Facing the other way is the groom's father, Paul.

After the ceremony (during which there were not many dry eyes) I got a lovely shot of the bride's train.

Chris and Andrea, the new husband and wife.

Down the hall, final preparations were being made for the reception dinner. The seating chart was on display. On the table in front, were pottery bowls hand-crafted by Jane, the mother of the groom, a skilled potter. They were our souvenirs of the wedding. On the bottom read 'A & C 10.18.26' The colour scheme matched the bridesmaid's dresses and even the theme of the wedding shower which we had attended the month before.

I was honoured to sit at Table 1 with the family. There were so many lovely touches - personalized menus with the meals listed that we had selected ahead of time. All the flowers and decorative pieces of fruit were fresh.

This is a better shot of the floral display that the couple stood in front of at the ceremony. It had been moved into the O'Born Room for the dinner. Being at Table 1, I was able to get some great shots of the bride and groom as we waited for dinner to be served.

I only managed to get this shot of dessert.

After the speeches, the music began. The bride had the first dance with her father.

Oh yes, and Veronica also attended the wedding!

The proud parents then took the floor and invited the rest of the attendees to join them. The music appealed to a multi-generational audience.

I even got a selfie with Ana and her husband, Shawn.

The whole event was so tasteful, meaningful, elegant and enjoyable. Formal, yet not stuffy. Everyone was so happy - both for the happy couple and for the opportunity for the friends and families to celebrate together.

It was an easy stroll back to the hotel for some quiet time after a very busy couple of days.

The next morning, I started for home, arriving mid-afternoon. I baffed out for the rest of the day and had absolutely nothing on the schedule for the next day. Tuesday ended up being a pyjama day.

On Tuesday, Andrea and Chris flew to Japan for their 3 week honeymoon.

And just like that the long-awaited event was over.

A Busy Week and It's Not Over Yet

2026-10-15T12:54:18.551-04:00

Monday was the usual stitching morning; this week at MaryKs. I still have not turned on the furnace and it was a bit chilly that night so I lit the first fire of the season.

Scooter texted me from Japan (they're 13h ahead) so I sent him this cozy photo. With the sun streaming in my south-facing windows (dining/craft room, kitchen, family room) the house warms up nicely during the day. At night, once I'm rolled up in my duvet in bed, I don't mind it being cooler upstairs. I'm trying to see how long I can go before turning on the furnace. To avoid that burnt dust smell, I always install a new filter before turning on the heat or A/C for the first time.

The next day was unseasonably hot; record-breaking in fact, with a high of 27C with the humidex factor. Tuesday afternoon, Jen1 came over for a stitchy afternoon and Katherine arrived shortly thereafter. Both Katherine and I had to change into cooler togs. We had an enjoyable time talking about music camp, EAC Seminar in St. John's next June, and stitching. I got a bit more done on the Spring Courier.

After supper, Katherine and I headed to the band rehearsal where we were reunited with fellow 'band camp' folks, Dunc and Helen. After the rehearsal we went to Dunc's place relatively nearby for wine and more visiting.

The next morning was more visiting with my houseguest at breakfast and a while afterwards. Katherine headed for home before noon and I got ready to head to a medical appointment in Pickering. The clinic is in the Home and Design centre at Brock Rd and the 401 so after my appointment I popped into Fabricland to see if there was anything I 'needed'.

I bought some fusible batting and fusible featherweight interfacing and a pack of wooden spools.

The spools have the hole big enough to hold embroidery scissors. The height of the part where a piece of stitching would wrap is just shy of 1 3/4". That's slightly shorter than the spools crafted by Richard Pikul but for the discounted price of $1.06 each including tax, I couldn't pass up the bargain. It was the only pack they had and I couldn't resist the 50% discount for members. Of course, I had to renew my membership since I allowed it to lapse after the Fabricland stores closed in Whitby and Oshawa. I was pleased to learn that the annual senior membership was only $20. So with the discount on the spools and other items, it almost paid for itself on this one visit.

I did more work on Mystical Lanterns - finishing the side half-lanterns on one side.

I have 2 more crocheted so only need to do 9 more, plus one horizontal half-lantern for the bottom left corner. With all those attached, the blanket will be all squared up and I can figure out how I will do the border. The pattern calls for a few rounds of single crochet all the way around but I'm going to take a look at what others have done on Ravelry and see what inspires me.

Tomorrow I have my final appointment at the clinic where my dental implant was done. It's in The Big City but it's easy to get there via the $$$407$$$. This process was started mid-May. I've been back for one check-up since the surgery. My own dentist will install the new tooth next month.

Saturday I will head for Ottawa. I plan to make a little detour and stop at Paisleys Quilt Shop on my way into the city. I have learned that the cocktail party tomorrow night will be between 5 and 10pm so I don't have to rush at all. My cousin, Jeannie, and I will meet for breakfast on Sunday morning, then the wedding will be at 4pm that afternoon with the reception following. I'm staying at the Lord Elgin Hotel across the street from the wedding venue (National Arts Centre) so I don't have to worry about driving after the reception.

I'll start for home on Monday morning. Next week will be busy, too, with a stitch day at Elmhirst Resort on the NE shore of Rice lake with the Northumberland guild, another overnight visitor, and the fall Stitch North with Theresa Venette/Shakespeare's Peddler/Kitten Stitcher in Markham.

And exciting news! The very popular Tilda Christmas fabric line 'Merry Little Christmas' is going to be reissued for 2017. Quilt shops that carry her designs will be taking preorders. Keep an eye out for your local shop. I was really bummed out I didn't order any for last Christmas so am thrilled to have another opportunity.

Some of my favourite fabrics in this line:

So many cool things can be done with these fabrics.

And free downloadable patterns from Tildasworld.com

I emailed Quilter's Cupboard in Uxbridge and they will be taking pre-orders very soon with a 20% deposit and the balance due when the product is released, probably July 1, 2027.

Oooh! Can't wait!!!

Still Crocheting Mystical Lanterns

2026-10-12T18:05:11.033-04:00

I was looking at other peoples' 'Mystical Lanterns' blankets on Ravelry and noted that someone found a pattern for the side half-lanterns. Originally I had planned to leave the sides wavy but seeing her finished blanket, I decided to do that too.

It did mean that in addition to the 22 side half-lanterns I needed to make 4 more top and bottom half-lanterns; all this before attaching the border.

I cranked out a couple of top/bottom and side half-lanterns out last night and attached some of them. the bottom left corner is what it'll look like when I've filled in all the ripples and corner.

These instructions are on Janie Crowe's blog but only in written form. Being primarily a visual learner I much prefer seeing the charts. I ended up finding someone's YouTube video which helped clear up a lot of the confusion but even she deviated from Janie's pattern.

I'm looking forward to finishing this but am already feeling antsy about not having something else planned to knit or crochet after this. I'll definitely be looking at more Janie Crowe patterns.

I still have the Sophie Scarf to complete, too.

Violet moved to her new home today at MaryK's. Here she is in her new habitat with MaryK's beautiful flower arrangement.

The next few days will be quite busy. My 'new best friend from music camp', Katherine arrives tomorrow. Jen1 is coming over for a stitchy afternoon, the K and I will head to band that night. K will leave late morning on Wednesday as I have a medical appointment in Pickering at 1pm. I can relax for the rest of the day.

Thursday, I'll pack for the wedding in Ottawa. I have an appointment with the folks who did my dental implant on Friday at noon. Then finish getting ready to head out for the weekend.

I hope to visit Paisleys Quilt Shop on my way to Ottawa on Saturday so I'll have to get on the road fairly early on Saturday as there is a cocktail party and rehearsal dinner that evening and the wedding on the next day.

I'll miss stitching next Monday because of my return from Ottawa. Tuesday I'll take it easy because early Wednesday I'm picking up MaryK and we're heading to Elmhirst Resort on the NE shore of Rice Lake for the Northumberland Hills Stitchery Guild's stitch day. Our own guild meeting is that night. Next day I have a retirees luncheon then MaryK will spend the night here so we can again get up early to head to Markham for Stitch North with Theresa Venette/Shakespeare's Peddler/Kitten Stitcher. The retreat is over the three days but I have to head out early on the Sunday (these early mornings will be very challenging for me) to make it back home to head to Pickering for the band's Hallowe'en concerts at 12:30 and 1:00pm. MaryK will get a ride back to my place with someone to pick up her vehicle and head home later on the Sunday.

Thankfully, aside from stitching and a dental appointment, I don't have a lot going on the last week of October until Kimat's Stitch Day on the 31st.

I am grateful that for now, the first three weeks of November aren't too packed with activity (yet). All this comes with wanting to do 'all the things'.

Some Little Things

2026-10-08T21:28:57.202-04:00

I have been doing some housework in preparation for an overnight houseguest arriving next Tuesday. It's not really hard to do, there are just many other things I'd rather do. Regardless, the house will be somewhat presentable for my guest.

I passed the halfway point on my Sophie scarf. It occurred to me that I needed to weigh what I had knit and the remaining yarn so see where the halfway point was - where I'd start decreasing every 8 rows.

Turns out, I had knit well past halfway and had to rip back to the halfway point (where the yellow stitch marker) is and rewind the yarn. There wasn't too much bad language (just the right amount, I guess). The blue stitch marker shows where I went from increasing every 6 rows to every 8 rows so will mirror that on the 'downhill slope'. My calculations are such that I'll only have a few metres of yarn left when I get to the other end. Fingers are crossed.

I did a bit more on 'This Bee's Got Knees'. Once I fill in the centres of the little orange flowers, the cross stitching will be done and there will only be backstitching (detail on flowers and bees) left to do. Then assembly. I really liked the colours in this piece. The pointy parts will meet in the centre of the bottom for a 3D block pincushion.

I really don't need another pincushion but this design was so dang cute, I couldn't resist.

I also did a wee bit more on the Spring Courier.

I don't have a single thing on my calendar for the next two days so will enjoy a hurkle-durkle tomorrow morning and do some serious goofing off for the rest of the day.

Oh yeah, and MaryK has named her kitty cat, Violet. I'll be seeing her at stitching on Monday and can give Violet to her then.

Lot of Fun Things

2026-10-05T16:18:20.214-04:00

By special request (some whining was involved) I created two more little knitted friends for Judy and MaryK.

This is Judy's Princess Kate:

MaryK will receive hers next Monday, at which time little kitty will be named.

I hosted stitching this morning so spent some time yesterday preparing the dining room (adding an extra leaf in the table and locating appropriate tablecloths) and the kitchen for my discerning guests. It's always a nice way to start our week.

During our get-together I got an email from a former student from the 1980s, Dennis. Chris, Andrew, and I were talking about him last month at our lunch and wondered how he was doing. I googled him and found that he was on faculty at a university in New Brunswick so I fired off an email to tell him we'd been talking and thinking about him.

I was so pleased to get a response from him this morning, so forwarded his email to Andrew, Chris, and another former student, Karen. I then sent Dennis a newsy email. Coincidentally, this afternoon I found a program from a show in which I played in the pit orchestra in the early 80s. I remembered we needed some reed players so a couple of my more accomplished students (then in grade 12 or 13) also performed with the group. I scanned the program and have sent it to the both of them. It is so fun to remember some of these good times from the past. I taught some amazing young people and am pleased to get in touch with any who are interested in catching up on the last decades since we last were together.

Being a high school music teacher afforded me the chance to really get to know many of my students over the 4 or 5 years they were in my classes or bands. A lot of social and intellectual development happens during those years. Years later, with the help of social media (mostly Facebook) and search engines, it has been possible to follow up and see how life has been for some them. Most have had very interesting and satisfying lives. I've been invited to some of their weddings and other important events in their lives over the years. I have attended the school's anniversary/reunion celebrations and run into many others.

Most students in my classes and bands had very enjoyable times learning to play an instrument and in larger ensembles. Aesthetic education 'massages' different parts of the brain than most other school disciplines. Shy, outgoing, introverted, timid, extroverted kids are all welcomed in the music program and it is a pleasure to see them develop over the years. I have always felt so privileged to have been able to interact with kids in this way. It is so fun to reminisce with them now, decades later.

Personally, I've been involved in creating music since taking voice lessons as a little girl, playing recorders with my dad and sister, taking piano lessons, playing the oboe in high school and majoring on it in university, playing in my town bands, working as a music educator for 30 years - teaching and conducting bands, vocal ensembles, and classroom guitar, and now finding my way back to creating music again after a hiatus of over a decade and attending summer adult music camp.

I have been fortunate to have made many friends along the way.

Good Things Today

2026-10-01T17:45:35.261-04:00

I spent quite a bit of time procrastinating about getting stuff done today. I knew I had an errand to run but couldn't remember what it was. I figured I'd remember at some point today or tomorrow.

Instead, I sent a newsy email to some longtime friends. Just before I was going to send it, I remembered the errand I wanted to run - buy cranberries and white chocolate chips to make treats. I headed to the store and got the supplies.

Back at home, the drizzle had stopped. I've wanted to tear down some more foliage from the garden and was waiting until after some rain. Plants and weeds pull out so much easier after the soil has been soaked. I filled three yard waste bags with most of the stuff I cut back beside the deck and along the east fence. I did some huffing, puffing, and sweating but I got that much done. More to follow.

I just remembered that I need to contact the oboe repairer and see what the status is of my oboe and its sticky key. It's either going to just need a cleaning and oiling $$$ or a complete overhaul $$$$! I must call him tomorrow.

Last night, I finished the last 'lanterns' and finished sewing them onto the blanket. It measures 35" x 53" before blocking and without the top and bottom borders.

I only have 5 half lanterns to make and attach to the bottom. Then decide what border I'll make.

I'm not sure how I'll block it. Being acrylic, it won't be like blocking wool. I will try a warm iron and damp pressing cloth to see if it will smooth things out a bit. Must do more investigating on how to do this.

I did a bit more on the spring Seasonal Courier yesterday. I'll do more on it at our stitch day on Saturday.

I also have a hankering to start this project, 'Merry Christmas' from Hobby House Press.

I purchased the pattern a while back, have the fabric, and just need to decide what floss colour I'll use. It'll probably be slightly variegated. Right now I'm leaning towards something like Weeks Dye Works Cayenne.

Or maybe something a deeper red. Will consult with Meagan and Kim.

Unorthodox Finishing

2026-09-30T13:40:42.204-04:00

When I was swapping out my front door stitching with my autumnal decoration, I found the winter Seasonal Courier by Robin Pickens, all framed.

I remembered the plan was to mount the other seasonal pieces on foamcore so they could just be popped in and out of the standard 5 x 7 frame.

Fastidious stitchers often stitch a line around the item where the edge of the foam core will hit - carefully counting threads out from the design edge.

I have discovered the convenience of Frixion pens to do heat-erasable markings. I only use them in areas that won't be seen - cutting lines on fabric, centring lines on the backs of things, and, in this case, delineating the edges of the foamcore for mounting. If the item ever gets cold, the lines will come back. That's why I use the erasable pen (erases with heat of the iron or little eraser on the end of the pen) only in areas that wouldn't be seen.

I then mounted the autumn Seasonal Courier,

and while I was at it, the summer one.

I'm almost done the spring one so will prepare it for mounting and framing once it's done.

I do pin into the sides of the foamcore all around using short appliqué pins. I could take the time and lace the backs. Not wanting to take the time, I choose the easier method of just tacking down the excess fabric with masking tape.

As the seasons change, I can now swap out the relevant stitched piece.

The décor in the foyer is now complete for the fall.

'Autumn Collage' on perforated paper - Mill Hill Buttons & Bees completed in 2000. It was a real coup finding the autumn-themed Mill Hill frame.

'Quaker Pumpkin' by the Stitcherhood, completed in 2019, also in a Mill Hill frame. Other seasonal pieces are popped in and out of this frame as well.

'Halloween Flip-it' by Lizzie Kate, stitched on 28ct Monaco and completed in 2010.

Snorri the bear was an IKEA find years ago. In the fall, he wears his pumpkin sweater.

I took this shot of Veronica and my new haircut on the way out the door to band last night. It was her turn to come with me.

Having been a music director for over 30 years, I'm very picky about efficient use of rehearsal time. Our musical director, Giancarlo Binetti, is very well organized and sends out the lists of pieces we'll be rehearsing ahead of time. We also receive any new music by .pdf. Several band members use their iPads for their music but I don't have a current device that will upload the software so I print out the parts and use a band folder for them. Giancarlo is also very good about planning how much time he'll spend on each piece, and observes the timing for the beginning of the rehearsal break and end of the rehearsal.

Our Hallowe'en concerts are on Sunday, October 25 at Pickering Museum Village, at 12:30 and 1:30. I'll be leaving Stitch North early-ish that morning to head home and prepare to arrive at the concert venue by 11:30.

Trillium Embroidery Guild Stitching Retreat

2026-09-29T23:12:19.091-04:00

Last weekend was the 4-day, Trillium Embroidery Guild stitching retreat at Elim Conference Centre on the eastern shore of Pigeon Lake. I brought about a dozen WIPs, snacks, my bed pad, duvet, and pillow, stuff to give away, my bag of crocheting, and a suit case.

Jen1 and I carpooled. This is what the back of the car looked like with her stuff crammed in there, too.

The back seat was also full of stuff. My gang was also in attendance - Thomas, Veronica, and Ernest.

We set up in the Chapel, one stitcher per 6 foot table. We also had 5 people bring their sewing machines to do sewing and quilting.

I worked on these projects in no particular order. Traditionally on the Friday, I spend an hour on each WIP.

I stitched the dotted lines on the bee skep and the flowers and stems on this wool felt appliqué piece that I hadn't touched in months.

I almost finished the stitching on the scissor fob - 'Pearls & Rosebuds' by The Drawn Thread.

I spent quite a bit of time on the moth on Teresa Kogut's 'Newcastle Bouquet'. I started this project when it first came out in 2020. The chart is black and white so the symbols were all mashed together. After using Markup R-XP to sort things out, the stitching went much more smoothly.

We had spectacular weather. The leaves on this tree were just starting to turn red over the weekend.

Then I spent some time on 'Tomato Tom-ah-to".

I started the delphiniums with the silk ribbon on this piece. It was my first time using silk ribbon. The tip of each is done with floss. Inside each silk ribbon will go a French knot, a smaller one stitched with yellow floss. You can see where the other two delphinium 'spikes' go - the little x's. I don't remember what goes on the long spike on the right. I also did the flowers along the bottom with sequins and beads.

Then did a bit of work on the Papillon Creations 'How Does Your Garden Grow'. I picked this up at a stash sale. It was a mystery stitch along (SAL) from years ago, kitted up and started by the previous owner. All the silk threads were in the kit. I'm not sure I'll do the entire floral piece but I am enjoying all the specialty stitches.

A wee bit was done on the Hands On Design 'This Bee's Got Knees'. I thought I misplaced one of the yellow threads for the centres of the white star flowers - it later turned up. There isn't a lot left to do on this.

I did a wee bit on Robin Pickens' 'Spring Seasonal Courier' and got a lot farther than this later on in the weekend and at stitching yesterday morning.

Jen1 always sets up her stitching environment very tastefully. Her Lola also attended.

The time away from 'adulting' was very enjoyable and passed quickly. The food this time was excellent! We came away from each meal with full tummies and more energy to do more stitching.

Stitching was yesterday morning. Today I went for a haircut, arriving two hours early. I exited the salon and did grocery shopping and had lunch before my 1pm appointment. Then crocheted a bit (oh yeah I made a couple of 'lanterns' for my blanket at Elim), and rested this afternoon before band tonight.

Tomorrow the windows are getting cleaned. Then it will be October. Nothing is on the schedule for Thursday or Friday. I may do some thinking about how I'll make a version of the Hands Across the Sea "Needleworker's Companion". I want to make it big enough to accommodate patterns on 8 1/2 x 11 pages.

Then Saturday is our guild's stitch day. Lots of fun things to look forward to in October.

Two-colour Biscornu

2026-09-23T23:10:50.407-04:00

I found some white 14ct Aida in my stash to use for the other side of the faux sashiko biscornu I designed. It was very stiff and the gauge looked slightly larger than the blue fabric so I washed the white piece to see if it would shrink down a bit. That worked. I did iron it to dry and it was still pretty 'crunchy' but I started in stitching anyway.

As on the blue piece, the stitching went pretty quickly. However the sewing up was challenging because of the stiffness of the white Aida. I persevered and finally got it stuffed and sewn.

The design is somewhat reminiscent of caning used on seats of antique chairs. Again, with the counted fabric, it wasn't possible to go in straight lines on the diagonals. Basically it was a diagonal over two squares, then directly vertical two squares.

Because the scrap of blue fabric was so small, the chart was only 48 stitches x 48 stitches but the pattern could be easily adapted for a larger piece of fabric.

Scooter came out for a visit yesterday - the last one before he flies to Osaka tomorrow. He plans to study Japanese in Kyoto for 6 months then he'll be assigned to teach English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) somewhere in Japan for a year with the option to renew for another year.

It was so nice having him staying here this spring. We got along well, spent time together in the evenings, and did our own thing the rest of the day. He appreciated the quietude of the place - not a lot of drama here - and set up his dad's office for his online teaching.

I dropped him off at the GO station on my way to band last night. I got very emotional and cried most of the way to the rehearsal. I hope I didn't upset him when I got choked up. I did tell him a lot of things I didn't want to go unsaid. I am very excited for him but I'm really going to miss him. I wish only the best for him and hope to visit him there next spring. Band was a great distraction but I still get choked up when I think about him leaving.

I'm somewhat packed for our stitching retreat that starts tomorrow. I'm bringing Jen1 with me. I just need to throw my clothes in the suitcase. Tomorrow morning, I'll roll up the duvet and foam bed pad and take them and my pillow downstairs. Most of my stitching is packed and at the front door. Between her bedding, suitcase, and projects as well as mine, we'll definitely fill the trunk of the car.

I am bringing several UFOs to work on in a rotation on Friday. Snacks are packed. I don't have anything for lunch tomorrow though, so may stop into a grocery store en route and pick up something quick.

I thought I'd try and get Skip's iPad 2 working. I've been using it as a coaster but seeing folks using them for band music intrigued me. This iPad dates from 2011 and I suspect won't update beyond iOS 9 but I'm interested in seeing if I can make any use of it.

A few minutes later...

It turns out Apple quit supporting it back in 2016. It won't even connect to the Internet, however it can be used as a photo frame, clock or calendar, offline video or audio player, or use for static .pdfs like kitchen recipes, etc.

When I went to fire it up (it has the old, wide 30 pin connector, and I actually found one in my pile of defunct electronics), I was able to connect to Apple (I have Skip's passwords) but it sent a 6-digit security code to one of Skip's devices. I had to locate his old iPad mini and it is now charging so I can retrieve the 6-digit security code for the old iPad2. I have his iPhone 8 somewhere but not sure where it is right now. It would have also been 'deader than a mackerel' (as Skip used to say).

Stay tuned...

I Was Inspired

2026-09-19T16:55:37.383-04:00

After stitching the blue, sashiko biscornu, I was motivated to find other patterns to stitch. I happened upon this kit on Etsy and thought it would be cool to stitch and attempted to chart it myself.

I tried to chart it with straight lines It worked for the horizontals but not the diagonals on this counted fabric. The pattern in the photo above was just printed onto the woven fabric and stitched. Flouting customary sashiko straight lines, I made the pattern more or less fit the counted scrap of 14ct navy blue Aida in my stash.

The actual stitching was much faster than the charting and counting. The strip of fabric I had only accommodated 48 stitches. While I was finishing stitching this, I thought I'd stitch the same pattern on white Aida on the other side.

Back into my stash I'll go.

Scooter came out for a visit from The Big City yesterday. He updated his departure to Japan from next month to next week. Eeek! I showed him the array of little bears I had on hand and asked if he wanted to take one. He picked Roscoe because he had a red sweater - like the Canadian flag. I told him he was welcome to change the name. I know he'll be glad to have a 'little buddy' while so far from home.

He plans to come for a final visit early next week. I was surprised at how emotional I became after dropping him off at the GO station. When he left for university, Skip and I knew he was just a couple of hours away. This feels so much different. It's almost like another piece of Skip is going away. I'll be OK - I'll just miss Scooter. It was so nice having him here for a couple of months this spring and again when he stayed for an extra week after housesitting for me when I was at music camp.

On a happier note, my hibiscus plant is blooming again. I'll bring it back inside when the weather gets cooler.

Another Busy Day

2026-09-16T13:39:59.081-04:00

Yesterday was my 4-month post-implant appointment in The Big City (gratefully north near Keele St. and Steeles Ave W).

An xray was taken of the tooth in question.

Then the temporary was popped off, impressions were taken, then the temporary put back on. I have another appointment in a month's time.

Then the permanent cap will be installed at an even later date by my own dentist in Oshawa.

Using the $$$407$$$ again made for a very stress-free trip across the top of The Big City and back. When I got home, I did some adulting, some goofing off, then made myself take a nap so I could make it through band that night.

I had printed all my music for band and copied and pasted the revisions we were sent by the conductor so I'd be all ready for the rehearsal.

At the rehearsal, when I went to assemble the clarinet, the cork disintegrated on the mouthpiece of the clarinet Dunc had loaned me so Laura loaned me a spare mouthpiece for the rehearsal. I'm using a 2 1/2 reed which plays really well for me (and the borrowed mouthpiece) but I'm going to buy a couple of #2s and see if I can get through the rehearsal easier.

Not being a clarinet player by training, and considering my 20-year hiatus from even touching one, the fingers aren't there yet. The rhythms are all there and Zoltan (my Clarinet III buddy) says I have been of help to him. I explain to all the folks around me that what I lack in technique, I make up in enthusiasm.

I informed our conductor that I could fill in for him in a pinch if necessary considering my 30-year career directing instrumental music ensembles and having been a former assistant conductor of the PCCB. I'm not sure he believed me.

I'm very excited that one of 'my new best friends' from camp, Katherine, will be coming to visit next month and will be able to sit in on a rehearsal. I mentioned it to Helen - a new PCCB flute-playing member who remembered her from camp. Katherine can sit with her. Dunc has already planned a get together at his place.

Also, Jen1 will be available to join us for some crafting chez moi that day as well.

Scooter's departure for Japan is only a few weeks away. He's coming out for a visit tomorrow. I so appreciate the effort he makes to schlep all the way out to Whitby to visit me.

Tonight is our first Trillium Guild meeting. And next weekend (not to be confused with this weekend), is our stitching retreat at Elim Lodge. Jen1 and I will carpool. Several folks are bringing their sewing machines. Some plan to make up their Needleworker's Companion from the panel purchased last year at the Swindon event with Hands Across The Sea. I haven't decided if I'll take my machine and work up some more project bags.

I do have two retreat mats and a couple of completed project bags I'll be taking if anyone wants to purchase them from me. If I get the ambition, I can make a couple more up to take. I also want to take a pile of things to give away as we always have a 'give away' table.

Then we'll be into October already. with another guild stitch day, Thanksgiving, the wedding in Ottawa, Stitch North, the PCCB Hallowe'en concert, a Kimat stitch day, Hallowe'en, and the usual Monday stitching, monthly guild meeting, dental and medical appointments, Katherine's visit, and James' departure to Japan.

I should probably go take a nap now.

Crochet Update

2026-09-16T13:11:03.733-04:00

I've almost finished sewing all the lanterns onto the blanket.

There's one column of 11 to finish and the last column of 10. Looking at the photo now, I realize I should have started a column of 10 on the left side rather than the column of 11 on the right side, as the pattern calls for columns of 10 on each side.

Unblocked, right now it's measuring only 30" x 50" - not wide enough for a throw blanket in my opinion. There is LOTS of remaining yarn so I'll make at least another couple more columns of lanterns.

Following up on Barb's crocheted sheep,

I bought the pattern on Ravelry (Shoop the African Flower Sheep) and have sourced the yarn I'll be using.

Photo from the designer's Ravelry page.

While at Len's Mill Store in Cambridge on the weekend, I bought a ball of natural Kroy sock yarn and a multicoloured ball. I then rooted through my vast sock yarn remnants for other yarns that would work.

This sheep is not going to be very big with me using sock yarn (called for in the pattern) but it will be a good first try. There is a technique for joining the blocks while doing the outer round which I may try to master.

So far I have done one pentagon, four hexagons, and one heptagonal block.

I could have done the centres with the natural yarn, I guess. Oh well. I'm making sure the round before the outer round uses gold or yellow yarn, and, of course, the outer rounds will be with the natural yarn.

The next one I'll make will be using DK or worsted weight yarn. I also have TONS of handspun that would work very well for a project like this.

The 2mm hook is a size larger than the pattern specifies for this weight yarn. The fabric is still pretty dense so the stuffing won't show through. I'm not liking working with such a small hook as the yarn splits easily.

They do work up pretty quickly. I haven't counted how many of them I'll have to make. If I don't use the 'attach-as-I-go' method, there will be a LOT of sewing the blocks together.

Bridal Shower

2026-09-16T12:19:48.961-04:00

On Saturday I drove to Cambridge to attend my grand-niece's bridal shower. It was a good place for it - a somewhat central location for the attendees coming from the Sarnia area, Durham Region, and Ottawa.

I arrived at Cambridge an hour or so before the shower so popped into the Len's Mill Store just off the 401 and Hespeler Road to pick up some supplies for a new craft project. More about that in the next post.

Surprisingly I knew almost all the people at the shower: the bride-to-be, Andrea; her mother and aunt (my two nieces Rosa and Ana); my grand-niece, Melisa and her two young daughters, Riley and Remy; the groom's mother, Jane, cousin, Sam, and cousin-in-law, Amanda. The latter 3 with whom I spent Christmas of 2024 in the Dominican Republic. I also had previously met Lisa and Jo-Ann at the quilting retreat in July. I also got to meet Sarah's mother, Carolina, who had prepared a delicious Italian pasta dinner for Ana and Rosa after their mother's funeral visitation. Skip was very impressed with it. I hadn't met one of Andrea's friends who attended, nor Sarah, Andrea's childhood friend, but I had heard lots about Sarah since they were little girls and Andrea attended 'Secret Heart' elementary school.

Sarah hosted the shower at their very cute home in Cambridge. There was so much character in the place - arched doorways, natural wood trim, many-paned windows, glassed-in porch. I couldn't resist taking a photo.

The theme of the wedding is 'Til Death Do Us Part'.

What would a bridal shower be without any games?

Dozens of 'diamond' rings were stashed around the house. The person to find the most would win a prize. The one hanging from the frame above was one of the last to be found. The young girls found most of them on their own and many of us gave them the ones that we had found. Then Remy and Riley pooled them to win the prize. Jane had donated one of her lovely pottery creations. The young girls asked who would want it. Of course, I said 'pick me, pick me'.

With the holes in the bottom and the little plate underneath, it could be used as a berry washer or even a little flower pot.

I loved how Andrea's dress coordinated with the theme, particularly since I don't ever recall Andrea dressing in any other colour than black.

After all the gifts were opened, the lovely bride-to-be modeled the hat made from bows and the pop-up card - a bouquet of flowers in a vase.

As we were leaving, we received a favour, a memento of the event: a pair of candles wrapped with a sprig of lavender.

It was a very nice way to spend the afternoon. I'm always glad to get to visit family.

The drive home was happily uneventful, largely due to the delightful cross-country route plotted by my Apple Maps. Evidently there was a traffic snarl up on the 401 between Cambridge and Guelph that this alternate route avoided. I drove through farm country on secondary highways and county roads. Campbellville was the only major centre I traversed. Back on the 401 at Guelph Line, traffic was not plentiful and moved smoothly to my hookup to the $$$407$$$. I got home shortly after 6pm.

The next day, I hurkle-durkled (slept in and languished in bed until mid-morning) and started another crafty project.

Sashiko BFF (Biscornu Fully Finished)

2026-09-11T23:00:54.899-04:00

I finished stitching the biscornu and fully finished it. Because I had altered the pattern to accommodate the fabric I had on hand, I had a heck of a time determining where to put the backstiched border on the bottom fabric. I counted, pinned every 10 stitches, then in the other direction. I wanted the bottom to be centred. Finally I decided to start stitching the outer border. I had to pick out and redo entire sides to make sure I had it centred.

Then came the task of sewing the top to the bottom. Because I had made sure there were an even number of stitches each side of the centre, this was a fairly easy task. However, the fabric was not totally square - the warp was wider than the weft so I had to make sure I had the correct sides together.

All the being said. I stuffed it on the last pass of sewing it up, found a pearl bead for the top and a small, pearl-coloured bead for the bottom.

It was a LOT of stitching but not difficult and pretty fun.

Tomorrow I will be attending the bridal shower of my grand-niece, Andrea, in Cambridge. Of the 13 attendees who RSVPd affirmatively, I know her mom and aunt (my two nieces), as well as the mom, sister-in-law, and cousin of the groom whom I spent Christmas 2024 with in the Dominican Republic.

I hope to leave here in time to have an hour or so to have lunch and possibly pay a visit to Len's Mill Store before moseying over to the shower.

Getting Inspired

2026-09-10T12:25:07.622-04:00

When stitchers get together, they like to see what others are working on and share what they're working on. Judy and Bev have been working on a sashiko biscornu designed by Atelier Pin & Needle.

The pattern is available on Etsy.

From my stash, I found two darker blue squares of 22ct evenweave fabric that had already been surged on the sides. They weren't quite big enough for the whole pattern so I made the pattern smaller. I was too tired to count carefully from the centre so just started in the corner, knowing I'd have enough room for the smaller version (right piece).

I got this far on the other piece before heading to bed.

Because the design has an odd number of stitches per side, when I did the backstitching around it, I went out three threads from the design edge instead of two. Now the backstitching is an even number of stitches. This will make sewing the two pieces together easier as the corner of one side starts at the edge centre of the other piece.

This pattern is really sashiko-esque because the Japanese technique is usually done as surface embroidery, that is, stitched from the design drawn onto the fabric. This counted method, although very neat and tidy, deviates from that a bit. However the result will be quite striking.

On the first square, I did the horizontal lines down to the open part, then the verticals. I just wanted to see how it would look in that corner. Then I filled in the rest. It involved a LOT of stitching using 2 strands of B5200DMC and a #26 needle. I should be able to finish the second square today between ~~adulting~~ housework.

One chore I don't mind doing is laundry on a nice, sunny day like today. Everything is going out on the ~~clothesline~~ passive solar dryer. The bedding will smell great when I crawl into it tonight.

Back on the Band Wagon and Excitement in the Skies

2026-09-08T23:23:15.387-04:00

I played in the Pickering Community Concert Band from 1990- 2002. I played the oboe and sometimes I was the assistant conductor. When I got promoted at my job and my workload increased, I decided to discontinue going. Also, as in many organizations, some of the politics was starting to become irritating and that also helped my decision to not return.

However, after being all geeked up at music camp, I decided I wanted to join the band again. Tonight was the first rehearsal of the season. As the band already has two oboes, I borrowed a clarinet and was given a reed, and got situated in the clarinet section. I was going to play Clarinet III with my new friend, Zoltan, but the way we were sharing the music stand, I couldn't see the conductor so I scooted over one seat and sat beside Dunc and played Clarinet II.

I haven't even touched a clarinet in 20 years but it was kinda like riding a bicycle. I remembered most of the fingerings. I'm a bit iffy on some of the alternates but I'll get there.

Some folks had their music on iPads and foot pedals that turns the pages. I may have to get one of those gadgets and see if I can resurrect Skip's old iPad. I'm not sure I even know the code to get into it. It would be too 'squinchy' to read on my iPad mini. A lot has changed in the past two decades in that regard. We are emailed .pdfs of our parts for us to either print hard copies or use on our devices. I think I'll be old school for a while and use sheet music. Since I'll have my own music stand, I'll play Clarinet III beside Zoltan. The music might be a bit easier for me while I'm getting my clarinet chops back.

At music camp, we only had Concert Band an hour a day so playing in a 2-hour rehearsal really blew out my chops. Dunc and I both were struggling on some of those long passages by the last half hour or so. I'm still pretty good with the counting and got most notes but my endurance is gone. I may actually have to practice between rehearsals to get the muscles back in shape! (Insert shocked face here. I was a very lazy player - getting by on a minimum of practice) All in all, I think I did pretty well after not having played the clarinet since June of 2007.

Unfortunately, I can't make any of the scheduled concerts this fall. Being one who is 'doing all the things', I only have two weekends free between now and mid-November. The Hallowe'en concert isthe weekend I'll be at Stitch North. I did tell the conductor and he seemed disappointed but my weekends should be a little freer in the new year (so far). The weekend of our Christmas concert (first Sunday of December) I'll be cruising up the Rhine with Alexa on my epic Christmas Market tour so I'm missing it as well.

It was very nice seeing some of the 'originals' from when I belonged to the band before: Cathy, Heidi, Joanne, Louise, Teresa, Hugh, etc.

I have nothing on the schedule tomorrow and we're supposed to get heavy rain so I'll be hurkle-durkling in the morning and probably crafting the rest of the day. I should have done laundry today to hang it out in the fabulous weather but it can wait until Thursday when it's supposed to be nice again.

The other exciting thing that happened today was seeing the Snowbirds fly over the house. One of the elementary schools in Whitby is named after a former Snowbird, Captain Michael VandenBos, who grew up in Whitby. He tragically died as a result of a mid-air collision during a training exercise in 1998. The other pilot was ejected from his plane and survived. The school bearing Captain VandenBos' name opened in 2001 and the dedication ceremony took place on September 4, 2001.

Captain Michael VandenBos

Every year thereafter the Canadian Forces Snowbirds precision flying team has done a fly-past the first day of the school year at 1pm. Since they always perform at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto on Labour Day, they're kinda in the 'neighbourhood' already.

Today, I was in the kitchen when I heard the jets approaching so ran outside with my phone, hoping to get some photos. They flew just to the west of the house on their way to the school only 5.4 km away. I was so excited I almost missed getting this photo; so excited I didn't completely get my finger out of the way.

After the fly-past, they circled to the east over Oshawa and flew over Whitby again, higher this time. I just snapped photos until I could no longer see them.

The neighbour behind me came out on his deck to see them as well as his wife texted him that this was happening.

I was surprised at how emotional I felt knowing that they were doing this as a tribute to their fallen comrade. What a thrill for the staff and students at the school who assemble outside on opening day of school for the fly-past. And it truly was a thrill for the rest of the Whitby residents who got to see them as well. I have lived in this house for 30 years and today was the first time, I had the presence of mind to go outside to see them.

The Snowbirds who are based in Moose Jaw SK, are retiring their 55 year-old CT-114 Tudor jets later this fall and will await delivery of their new aircraft in the early 2030s. Their final performance will be the fly-over at the Grey Cup game in Calgary on November 15.

My Brain Was in Overdrive Today

2026-09-08T00:14:16.608-04:00

Today Sharon sent me photos of her Veronica settling into her new home.

"This is Chase, the cat's (my new brother) scratching tree but I really like this king-sized watermelon bed! I think it's memory foam!".

"I get my own toothbrush?

"This is a very comfy bed, too. We kitty cats like to sleep a lot".

"Do I have to wash all these dishes?!?!"

"I love the great outdoors! What a nice patio chair!".

"Some say I'm very photogenic (whatever that means). I love how my sweater matches these dahlias".

"We ladies always have been partial to roses".

At stitching this morning we all got a tour of Barb's craft room. She is very organized. One object that caught our eyes was a crocheted sheep.

Jennifer4 (yes, my Jennifers are numbered) found the pattern on Ravelry "Shoop the African Flower Sheep" by Heidi Bears. Of course I became obsessed with making one and realized I had previously made a blanket for Daisy using the African Flower crochet stitch.

I was all set to run out and buy yarn when Barb reminded me that I had a bunch left over from my Persian Tiles and Mystical Lanterns blankets. Next will be to purchase and download the pattern and start crocheting this.

I gave Jeanette the second project bag. Like the first one, she'll stitch down the binding on the back by hand. She liked the quilting I had done on the back. This afternoon I put Barb's together and this time, machine quilted around the borders of the Queen of the May 2025 on the front.

I also quilted the back - 30º lines, 3 inches apart.

The script lining and border is such a nice touch. It's one of Jane Austen's works, I believe.

And I love, love, love the Wm Morris-ish fabric on the back. You can purchase the panel here. There are two versions to choose from.

I did the binding on this one differently from Jeanette's. I attached the binding to the front then wrapped it around the edges to the back and secured it with pins and some washable glue. Then using my blind hem foot to stitch in the ditch on the front, I attached the binding to the back. It took a couple of tries. After I adjusted the needle to stitch just to the right of the 'ditch' and used the right colour thread, I got the job done.

A couple of the gals purchased the Needleworker's Companion and Pincushion panel and plan to assemble it at our stitching retreat at the end of the month. Nicola has a good tutorial on YouTube on how to construct it. I was intrigued by the cheater hexie fabric on the exterior. It gave me a good idea about what I could do with the hexies I can make from the striped fabric I already have.

Here it is opened up.

And the back...

I used a bunch of hexies for the back panel of this project bag.

I still have lots of this fabric left for the Companion project. I'll have a good look at their panels and measure the pieces.

And finally, Judy and Bev have been working on this Sashiko Biscornu project.

It's kinda faux sashiko as it uses a counted technique rather than drawing the pattern on the fabric and weaving the needle in and out that way. I'll have to check my stash to see if I have any dark blue linen or eveneweave. If not, I could use 22ct white Hardanger fabric with blue threads.

With the way my head swirled with all these crafty ideas today, it was all I could do to not kit up the biscornu project, too.