A new start

It's time to meet the new starter in the knitting stakes.

The new jumper has been started, this is the back.  The colour is called 'Mustard' but is more brown than it looks here, a warm cinnamon brown, rather than yellow.  Perhaps the camera's flashing 'charge battery' light means the photo colour isn't very true.

This week's houses.  The purple house was the first ever house made last year - I like its cheerful hippy dippy flower power daisies, while the other house is surrounded by a grassy jungle.

There has also been progress made on the Canadian blocks......my goodness, there's a lot of stitching required to hold all that applique down......but it will be worth it when it's done.

Unwelcome news came through this week.  We have two quilt shops here, and the announcement was made that one of them - my favourite - is closing in September; the building has been sold, and rather than negotiate a new lease the owners have decided to retire.  We wish them well, however they and their store, which includes a really nice cafe, will be much missed.  There is a large classroom at the rear of the shop which is where both my quilt group and sewing group, and many other groups, meet so the shop's closure will leave many groups with nowhere to go.  I have been told that at least one group will be folding as a result.  It's well set up with tables, power, etc., and while there are other halls around town they all have drawbacks.  It is also very handy at a group meeting to be able to pop into the shop if supplies such as thread - even fabric! - are needed in a hurry.  The shop is also a Bernina dealer, but one of the owners has said he will continue to service our machines until someone else takes on the dealership.

Yesterday the backing, a bright red solid, was bought for the Canadian quilt at the 'closing down' sale price, possibly my last (or one of the last) purchase from there.  It's very tempting to go overboard and buy lots more lovely fabrics at the sale prices but honestly, do I need it?  No.  Do I want it?  Probably.  Would I like it?  Oh yes!  So back to:  but do I really need it?  No......

There is another quilt shop here but I avoid shopping there as the owner can be rude and abrupt.  When she first opened several years ago I went in out of curiosity but her manner was very off-putting, so I seldom went back.  She moved to larger premises (which I never even set foot inside) for a few years before moving to where she is now, and I have only been in the current shop twice.  The fabric for the inner border of my tumbler quilt was found there on the second visit, and it really bummed me out to buy it......but it was just so right for the quilt that I couldn't leave it, even though I resented putting money in her pocket.  At least the fabric for the outer border came from the other shop.

Sigh......

Yesterday's Eisteddfod performance went well, although I didn't win.  One of the judges said to me later "you know, you were on the short list" but honestly - I don't mind.  Several people came up to me afterwards to say how much they enjoyed my song, and my performance, and coming from fellow musicians that means a lot.  However - I have been asked to do a solo spot at our choir concert late in the year!  Our choir director went along to hear the music; he has heard me sing before, but so enjoyed yesterday's effort that he wants a repeat.  Who knew - fame and glory at my advanced age!  

"Never lean back in your chair, nor sit too near or too far from the table.

Keep your elbows at your side, so that you may not inconvenience your neighbours."

Indeed.  If you sit too far back you run the risk of dropping food into your lap, too near and it will be awkward to eat.  As for elbows......no more needs to be said.

Enjoy your days!