Monday, 10 March 2025

Life and work and the Chookshed challenge #2.

 Life has been busy with lots going on at home and away from home.

We've been busy in the garden, making one of the beds butterfly proof. I can't get over the explosion of white butterflies this year and they all seem to be in our garden! There has also been more produce to eat,  preserve or freeze. That has kept me busy. I've taken loads to work for the sharing table too. Speaking of work, there has been extra shifts too, one at a moments notice, just to keep me on my toes.

On Saturday night I was delighted to be invited to a 21st birthday party. The lovely Jorja used to work with me, I mentored her at the beginning of her nursing journey. She is now a fully qualified nurse and making her mark on the world. I'm so happy to have been a small part of that journey. It was wonderful to help her celebrate 21 years.

She was the recipient of the purple zippy pouch which I had filled with essential girly items and a gift voucher.
Phew, it's good to have a couple of days off, though they don't look like being quiet days. Tomorrow morning, bright and not quite so early I'll be meeting Janet at the wharf. Her cruise ship will be docking here in Timaru for the day. Betty, Chooky, Janice and co met up with her when she was in Sydney to start her cruise, now it is my turn. No big crowd, just the two of us. I hope the weather stays nice.
So I'll need to do all of my chores today. The washing is already on the line, the kitchen is spic and span, just the groceries and a little dusting left to complete. 
Then maybe I'll get back to my Chookshed Challenge #2 
I realised that I didn't share it yet. My list says I'm to work on my Poppy quilts this month.
So I pulled them out and set about working on Papaver Pazazz.
The other day I layered and pinned and started quilting, then I unquilted.
Then I layered and pinned and started quilting again, then I unquilted again!
I was trying to do some walking foot quilting on my domestic machine but it just wasn't happening. So I left it alone for a day or two.
Finally I put it onto the frame and made a start there.
I'm still not convinced but at least it got a little further.
The pattern instructions say to layer and quilt before adding the applique......
I wish I had read that bit instead of forging ahead.....
I'll keep you posted, I have a couple more weeks of March left.
I just remembered that I need to make bread today too, I'm off to put the machine on before I head out for groceries.
I'm looking forward to tomorrow. 

13 comments:

Jennifer said...

The birthday girl looks gorgeous, and so do you, Lou! Enjoy you visit with Janet.

kiwikid said...

Sounds like life is busy for you. Could you free motion around the appliqué and then quilt the rest along straight lines maybe?

Ma Betty said...

Give Janet a big extra hug from us all here.

Maria said...

Lovely photo of the birthday girl and you.
Sue’s idea for the Poppy quilt sounds like a good plan !
So nice to catch up with Janet, have a great time.

Lin said...

Enjoy your day out - you will come back to the quilting fresh as a daisy! xx

Janice said...

Have a wonderful day with Janet. I’m sure you will get the poppies done by the end of the month.

Susan said...

Hope the poppies are going better this time.
How lucky to be able to see Janet too......I must get on with my #2...I'd almost forgotten it...

Karen S said...

A very busy time for you. I do hope the quilting works out.

cityquilter grace said...

ooh say hello to janet and tell her looking forward to blog and lots of photos...have fun!

Barwitzki said...

What a great post! Big events on your blog, like your dear colleague's birthday party... it's simply wonderful to be able to give such beautiful gifts. I'm a great bag maker, but I'm just starting out with quilting... so I found it interesting to read that you haven't made any progress with the walking foot... I have the same problem – I thought it was the thread tension??? Big questions for a sewing lady.
Best wishes, I always enjoy your posts and your sewing.
Many thanks from Viola
p.s. the poppy top is so beautiful... and there's bread baking in my oven too :-))

Fiona said...

sounds very busy at your place.... remember to 'breathe' x
Hugz

dq said...

You look beautiful, Lou! Your quilt does too!

Chookyblue...... said...

It's wonderful to be able to share skills....... Time sure flies I can't believe it's that long since we caught up with Janet.......