Getting Settled...

I am here...and still unpacking.  It's taking me longer than it should, but I want things where I can find them, so I am trying to place them all where they belong.  You know?

The kitchen is almost done...all the boxes are unpacked and the cupboards are filled.  Need to hang a few things on the walls and then I will call it done.

The living room is sort of done.  Need to decide what to put on the corner curio cabinet and in the barrister bookcase.  Which, of course, means that there are several boxes sitting in this room.

The bedroom is mostly done...still need to hang things on the wall.

The bathroom is done.  Except to hang a few things.

My sewing room is a mess!  I am slowly getting it put together, but wow, do I have a lot of stuff!  I really need to keep working at it and get it done, though, cuz I really want to do some sewing!

Other than that, I am enjoying Canon City.  Small town atmosphere...everyone friendly...everything easy to find... beautiful mountains all around...what is not to like?

I signed up for a hand-quilting class at the First Stitches shop.  It is in 2 weeks...I will let you know how it went.

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I received a box in the mail today...from Cathy.  You all remember who Cathy is, right?  The one who sends me boxes of fabric for doll clothes and other stuff.  Today's box contained knits, the cutest piece of corduroy ever, wonderful cottons, wooden buttons, elastic, a few hand-knit shawls (not shown), crocheted flowers, 2 pair doll shoes (not shown), 3 skeins of yarn, tiny ribbon flowers and 2 white t-shirts(not shown). Makes me smile, for sure!  Thank you, Cathy!!

That's all I have for today.  Perhaps one day soon I will sit and write a nice long post.  Perhaps.


"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

Here I Am...in Colorado!!!

I made it!  I am here in Canon City, Colorado!  It is glorious, here!  I look out my window and see a mountain!  I knew the landscape would be awesome...but in person, it is truly amazing!  And, without a good camera, there is no way to capture the breadth and depth of these views!   

We left Madison on Monday about 2:30 p.m. and arrived here Wednesday about 10:15 a.m..  It was a long few days on the road, but we did it!  I am in my apartment, and it is beginning to take shape.  Good grief, but I have a lot of stuff!  And, I must say...the room with the most boxes is...yes, my sewing room! WOW!!!

That's all for now.  Thanks for all of your support and well-wishes.





"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

SWEET TWEETS Blog Hop...

I am honored to be part of this blog hop for my friend, Erin, of the Why Not Sew? blog.  Erin has definitely cornered the market on cute and sweet projects.  She is uber-talented and has stretched herself beyond measure in the last few years…showing versatility and talent with each project she tackles.  I am just so darn proud of her…especially now that she is published! 

Sweet Tweets:  Simple Stitches, Whimsical Birds is the title of her book and it is indeed full of sweet projects..all with cute little birds. Erin has mastered the art of raw-edge appliqué, where the free-motion stitching looks like sketching.  She shares her technique and knowledge with us on each one of the 12 projects this book offers. 

Sweet Tweets book cover

For this book tour post, I chose to make the book bag for my granddaughter, Kaylynn.  She is an avid reader and loves bags. 

Erin's bag

The pattern calls for linen, but for this bag, I chose to use a canvas duck for more durability.  And, because I used a sturdier fabric, I omitted the use of interfacing.  The instructions were clear and easy to follow and this bag was quickly put together.  I was a bit nervous about the raw-edge appliqué, not having done any of it previously.   But, I carefully followed the instructions given and am so very pleased with the results.      

I was so excited that I found this cute bird fabric to use as the lining.  How cute is that, hey?

I also made one long shoulder strap instead of two shorter ones…for an over- the-shoulder style.

My Granddaughter has already received this bag and LOVES it.

Thank you, Erin, for including me in your excitement!

I am able to offer a giveaway with this blog hop.  If you'd like to win an e-copy of this book, please leave a comment on this post.  I will draw a winner on Monday morning, September 14.  In the meantime, follow along with the rest of the blog hop to see the other projects being made.  

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The giveaway is over...I apologize for being a day late in announcing the winner.  I am in the process of moving and am travelling with my moving truck.  The winner is...Indianna, who wrote "The lining fabric is just perfect. I love the fact the book has lots of small projects as they are my favourite things to make. Quick and satisfying, especially if there's a cute bird involved."

Please email me at act_collies@yahoo.com with your email address.  Thank you, everyone!

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Here are the others on the blog book tour:

(I am not sure why this doesn't all look the same, but the links are there.)

Tuesday, Sept.8 - Erin (intro post)   Why Not Sew?

Wednesday, Sept.9 - Heidi  Fabric Mutt

Thursday, Sept.10 - Debbie  A Quilter's Table

Friday, Sept.11 - No Post

Saturday, Sept.12 - Jacque The Doodles of My Mind

Monday, Sept.14 - Amy  nanaCompany

Tuesday, Sept.15 - Svetlana  s.o.t.a.k handmade

Wednesday, Sept.16 - Renee  Sewn With Grace

Thursday, Sept.17 - Martingale Stitch This! The Martingale Blog

Friday, Sept.18 - Heather  Vintage Grey Handmade

Saturday, Sept.19 - Clara and Jennie  Clover & Violet

Monday, Sept.21 - Amanda Jean  Crazy Mom Quilts

Tuesday, Sept.22 - Cindy  Live a Colorful Life

Wednesday, Sept.23 - Carla Grace and Favour

Thursday, Sept.24 - Mary  Molly Flanders

Friday, Sept.25 - No Post

Saturday, Sept.26 - Erin, Big Giveaway Post!!!  Why Not Sew?

Three Days...

Grieving for Tag.  ohboy.  ~sigh~  I'm gonna tell you...it is tough being without him.
  

I will be okay. Eventually.

Having things to keep busy with helps keep my mind occupied. The perfect distraction...there are just 3 more days until 'load the truck and leave Wisconsin' day!  I have a lot packed, but there is much more to do.  

I spent Wednesday and Thursday of this week in Eau Claire visiting family and friends.  It was a nice time...although, as always, it was not nearly enough time.

Keep an eye on Facebook to see how my trip is going and (hopefully) photos of what I've seen along the way to my new home in Colorado.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

Time to Say Good-bye...

It is done.

TagEButt

February 8, 2002 - September 7, 2015

My laughter.
My heart.
My always.

Visitors...

We've had visitors this week...coming to say good-bye to Tag. And, to say good-bye to me. 

Kristen worked with me in CCU at the Vet School...she has known Tag all of his life.  She is a very special friend...

Paul, Rachel and Devin came for lunch today.  I will not see Rachel and Devin again before I move, but Paul will be here to help load the truck on the 14th (ohmygosh...that is just 9 days from now!). 

Here are some photos...

Contemplative...

  

Of course, he did...he had to poop.  Thank you, Devin, for doing poop patrol.

Paul is Tag's favorite brother.

Tag is taking a little break with his warthog

A bit blurry, but a good photo of Devin with Tag.

Goofy face on Rachel, but I love this photo, anyway.

As I am typing this, I look up to see the brown boy watching me.

Time is quickly passing...the days are numbered.  



"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

The Countdown Continues...

Can you believe it?  There are just 11 days more until 'load the truck and leave Wisconsin' Day!  whew!  I still have much to do, but I am slowly checking off items on my list.  Today's to-do list includes packing up the sewing and work tables. Naomi Janome has already donned her cover and is sitting in a box.  I am hoping that I'll be set up in my new apartment, ready to sew, within 3 weeks.  

In the meantime, I have more packing to do.  There are still some people to see before I go...and, I need to take a drive up the highway to say good-bye to family and friends.  

Tag hasn't wanted to lay in the big easy chair with me much...course, it's been warm.  But, today, with the air conditioning on, he wanted to come up.  So, what you see here is exactly what is happening...he is all snuggled in, right up tight to my leg and sleeping soundly...while I am checking out emails and blogs.  

I am working on the big project...slowly but surely it is getting done.

And, I will have another very special project to show you before I move.  


"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

Books for Sale...Wet Feet...

In the midst of packing, it occurred to me that I have more quilting and rug hooking books than I will ever use.  So, with the motto of declutter/destash/simplify in mind for my new apartment, I have started to list those I no longer need on eBay.  Check them out here.

I'll be adding to the list as the day/week goes on.  Keep checking my eBay page for new additions.

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I took this photo during my morning walkie with Tag...

a friend mentioned that I should print and frame it.

I think that is an awesome idea...don't you?

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The chocolate puppy and his warthog.

And boxes waiting to be filled...

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Hope your week goes well for you!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

So Much to Do, Yet...

It is almost time...just 15 days until 'load truck and leave Wisconsin' day.  I have so much to do, yet.  Luckily, I should be able to get it all done with a minimum of stress.  HA!  No, really, I think it's all manageable.  One of the most important of things on my list was to spend a bit of time with the Princess Kaylynn.  That happened yesterday.  (Kaylynn and her family live about an hour from here, so our usual manner of getting her here and back is to meet about halfway.  I love that Kaylynn's Mom has been so helpful with our visits.)  We met at our usual exit off the interstate...Kaylynn and I ate lunch together at the self-proclaimed 'largest Culver's in the world',  

It was a great time...eating and chatting about school (Kaylynn's going to be in the 5th grade!?!), summer vacation, my move, and many other things.  Of course, the time went by all too fast.  I will see her when I come back to visit friends/family in Wisconsin...and we will FaceTime.  AND, her Mom is perfectly willing to allow her to fly to visit me.  

She is getting to be such a little lady...and such a sweetheart.  

    
I have a big sewing project to start and finish this week.  The very last one on my list of things I really needed to get done before the move.   I'll tell you all about it and show photos in my next post.

In the meantime, have a great Sunday!




"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

Lotsa Photos...

Since Tag's diagnosis of osteosarcoma, I have been taking a daily photo of him and posting it on Instagram.  Today was photo #48. I thought that those of you not on Instagram might want to see some of my faves...

Tag is hanging in there.  He is sleeping more than ever...I think he's bored with me.  Or, he is more painful than I think he is.  It could simply be that he is old and needs more sleep.  Yup, that's the one I'm going with.    

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I'm meeting Princess Kaylynn for lunch today. 

I have no sewing that I can show you.  I did work on a secret project this past week, though.  Coming soon.  

Next up on my list is to repair an antique quilt.   

Just 16 days until 'load the truck and leave Wisconsin day'!  

Have a great weekend!



"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

Forward Ho!...

Packing is not fun.  Just sayin'.  Unfortunately, it's something that needs to be done.  It really doesn't take all that long to pack a few boxes...it's mostly the going through things and deciding what I no longer want that is the most dreaded and time-consuming part of it.  But, I am making progress. There is only so much one can do until just a few weeks before moving day.  I have a list and am working my way through it.    

Canon (pronounced canyon) City, Colorado, here I come...I have a place to live!  Baby sister, Jill, helped so much...she found a nice two bedroom apartment for me that is within 1/2 mile of her house! I am so excited...two bedrooms means having a sewing room!  I have really missed having a separate room to contain my mess use just for sewing.  I am very much looking forward to that. My bedroom will be my bedroom and my living area will be just that. So different than having Naomi Janome and fabrics and all of the paraphernalia needed for whatever project I am working on covering the dining table.  Ya know?

I have continued to get some sewing done.  A former coworker asked me if I had time before the big move to sew 2 Halloween treat bags for her.  I could not say no.  In years past, I made these  and these for her.  Here are the two I made for her this year...

14x14x4 with fusible fleece and quilted

Only one more project that needs to be done before I move.  And, I have another special project that I am working into my schedule. Plenty of time.  
          
Tag is holding his own.  He continues to look forward to his walkies, is eating well...sleeps a lot, though.  I count each day with him as a gift.







"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11