The quilting continues on the Snail's Trail -
My time was cut a bit short yesterday by a little trip back down the mountain to Jonesville, NC - moving help for Ashlyn and Jeff being offered up freely.
For independent kids - isn't it wonderful when they finally cave and accept the physical help that is being offered when it comes to big things like moving house?
Besides, I got a chance to see Casden, and got a big kick out of him being SO proud of his new room and showing me where his toys and puzzles were, and where he is now putting this or that. So much fun!
If you are wondering what is on the top of the quilt here - it is a rug protector, placed pokey side up to keep Lola from turning the whole thing into a hammock when I am not there.
It works!
And other than the quilting machine running - sometimes the only other sewing that can happen is mending the corner of a fitted sheet.
I did it. I had been putting it off. But I did it.
And the thing that took the longest was changing the thread color top and bottom to WHITE. Why is that so hard? LOL ! Why did I grumble about that so much - a simple thread color change?
5 minutes and done.
While this was going on - Jason and the Hubster were installing a new door in the far corner of the garage/shop next to Quiltville Inn.
DOOR!! YAY!
So there was this weird wall here when we bought the place. The previous owners had planned on turning the garage/shop into a suite while turning the house itself into a B&B.
They stopped for whatever reason, and instead of finishing this bathroom which has the plumbing, shower drain and more already done - they walled it off so it was only accessible from the OUTSIDE of the building. (Okay, weird, I know!)
Our plan? To put a commercial style washer/dryer out here.
The garage/shop is climate controlled with a Mitsubishi split unit providing a/c and heat. It is well insulated. It is on its own meter separate from the house. There is no danger of freezing pipes. It is going to be a great space for doing MORE laundry.
The washer/dryer in the inn is normal sized, it works well, but on average there are 4 loads of sheets, 3 loads of blankets, 2 - 3 loads of white bath towels/hand towels and 1-2 loads of colored headwraps, washcloths, kitchen towels, etc. going down. MORE if folks use the coverlets instead of bringing their own quilts to sleep under. 12 coverlets = 4 more loads.
We are talking a minimum of 12 loads of laundry on the 2 vacant days in between retreats - and it isn't that the laundry is HARD - it just takes TIME to do that much.
So another laundry space is needed to get it all done faster and more efficiently.
We need to decide on something like a small hot water heater - or go "on demand" for hot water for the laundry. We are leaning toward Speed Queen side by side. (No more front loaders in my life - ever!)
Last night's sunset over Wilson Creek.
One of the other reasons I went down to Jonesville yesterday was to celebrate Ashlyn's 2nd Covid shot. No one in the midst of moving, who just went through the emotional moment of pandemic inoculations should have to cook their own dinner!
The four of us headed to a close and cute little Mexican place to celebrate. We visited a bit longer and I headed back home.
I'm feeling that in-between-projects stall out.
Do you ever get that way? I've been so gung-ho on getting the Snail's Trail quilt done - push, push, push, push, WRESTLE!
And it is close, and soon I'll have MILES of binding to be filling my evening feet up hours.
But faced with some extra time I needed SOMETHING to work on.
These are some shorter more ragged strips from my stash that I'd like to see going into something. Most of them are what remains after our
Another project I started on the side several months back as my Easy Breezy Leader & Ender challenge quilt was competed and I needed another thing to take its place. (How are you coming on yours? New one starts in JULY!)
Sewing in pairs and subcutting by Accuquilt.
I'm still on a big mission to sew up the scraps and clear them out. I don't really have a firm idea where this is going yet, but it will be something - whatever it is. LOL!
So here I am on Saturday morning. Tomorrow is Easter. It still feels like a weird one.
For one thing, it is 24 degrees out! Clear and frozen. No hiking is likely to happen.
With just the 3 of us here, we are going easy - steaks on the grill, baked potatoes, salad, dessert - plenty of food for the 3 of us, but we seem to have gotten out of the full holiday meal routine, and I'm grateful.
Perhaps some movie watching and feet up binding will happen as we spend the day together.
Jason is planning on hitting the road this next week and we will miss him!
And the rest, we are just playing by ear.
Any plans for your Easter weekend ahead?
This is my last reminder to sign up for our March Quilty Box Gift-Away ON THAT POST! Drawing to happen on Monday - Will I be drawing YOU?
Quiltville Quote of the Day -
Say this three times to yourself.
And then reach a little bit further than you think possible!
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! We'll see you back here on Monday!
35 comments:
hubby and I have had our vaccine. daughter and boys are here for the weekend will have traditional ham dinner on Sunday my brother and family have recently move near me so they will be here for the first time in probably 20 years so glad to spend time with them so fun to reconnect. Happy Easter to everyone.
Thank you for all you do to provide us with challenging and joyful ways to use all our fabric collections!
Tell me why? What is your reason for not liking the front load washing machine? Just bought #2 front load washer, and I am not happy with the quality. But then how will companies continue to make money! ☹️
We'll have a Potluck of our favorites. Hubby and I have eaten more baked sweet potatoes since we got here. Yummy, not just for Thanksgiving. I need to make rolls today. Pin basting a Quilt so I can get it in the hoop for Hand Quilting. Less than 100 days to get it finished. Happy Easter 🐣 Tulips 🌷 coming upall over.
Daughter and grandson are here for weekend, last night Harp and I played Jr Clue, watched three episodes of 'deep', his current favorite show. This morning, bunny pancakes, then a trip to fire station and park, then to other daughters house for visit there and reconnect with his mom. Betsy K
Happy Easter weekend! It doesn’t feel much like a holiday here, either, but we’re both getting our 2nd vaccine shots today, so that will certainly be something to celebrate! Here’s my vote for the Speed Queen washer/dryer and on-demand hot water heater - both are hardworking & efficient. The on+demand water heater costs more to install, but the energy cost to run it is tiny, & only when you use it. You don’t have to keep all those gallons of water in a regular water heater hot for all the hours you’re NOT using it. I sound like my husband who campaigned for it, but he was right.
Happy Easter, Bonnie!
I'm taking advantage of beautiful sights this weekend. We will visit the Japanese Garden today for the cherry blossoms and the tulip fields tomorrow. Nicely outdoors and socially distant! I'm looking forward to reviving my spirits with all that beauty! And then there's Easter dinner tomorrow but, like you, we're simplifying.
Speed Queen is the way to go!! Have a great weekend with family.
My solution to "kitty hammock" dents was the noisy krinkle packaging from breakfast cereal boxes, laid end to end over the surface of my quilt. Tuexedo refused to step thru them. Thank you Bonnie, happy Easter
I've been meaning to mention for quite a while, how i giggle at your photos that include your feets on the edge of whatever you're showing us! It's an on-going theme and so fun, thanks. Yes, you have to be smarter than the cat, good solution -- LOL, it's not as if she were left to sleep on a bare concrete floor!!! Happy Easter, mine will be solitary, even tho i've had my shots, family is too far for me and they're still being Uber careful, (son w/compromised pulmonary issues). But Spring & love in the air, hopeful this whole thing is fading... thanks and blessings to all -- Cats in Carlsbad CA
Happy Easter! I'm making the desserts to take to my daughter's for Easter Dinner. My 85 year old mom and my sister will join us for a non-traditional meal of King Crab and Steak. We decided not to invite the whole extended family because not everyone has completed their vaccines. Thanksgiving will assuredly be back to a full traditional meal.
I am with Mary, baked sweet potatoes, yummy! Our son is coming for a visit and we will have steaks, salad and I will make a poke and pour cake (lemon cake/lime Jello) with whipped cream topping. Happy Easter to everyone.
Love, love, love my Speedqueen washer. I had an LG washer that was supposed to save on water etc., no agitator, for 2 years. Got my Speedqueen that allows me to use a full load of water, cycles in just over 30 minutes, and gets my grubby ground-in dirt garden clothes clean.
Yes, I know that between projects slump! This year I am using that space to do a block of the month, and am keeping up. Inevitably by the time I’ve done my block, I know what I want to do next.
I am a fan of on-demand hot water; have had it for about 20 years and will never go back. Probably!
I vote for the on demand (tankless) water heater, too. We switched about 15 years ago. No worries of running out of hot water in the middle of a shower, while the dishwasher and the clothes washer are both in use.
We got home from our winter retreat on North Padre Island Monday and our son and his bride arrived from Florida last night. We are making pork roast, hassle-back potatoes, romaine and strawberry salad and green beans with the richest cheesecake for dessert. Tim and Faith LOVE cheesecake and I am most happy to accommodate them! They leave on Monday so the time is going too fast!
Yay, commercial laundry equipment!!!
Hoppy Easter all. Today our grandson and daughter are visiting, so with all the eggs hidden we will celebrate this morning. Even though we are fully vaccinated we are keeping socially distant....maybe another drive is in the making. Enjoy the weekend.
Happy Easter weekend! This weekend I am putting together my niece's twin size quilt. Tomorrow we will be staying here and visiting with family coming down since my own family plans were postponed due to health issues. I am anxiously waiting for the middle of the week next week when I finally go for my 2nd shot. It was scheduled for last week but got postponed due to lack of supplies. When I am in-between projects I grab one of my Creative Grids rulers and some scraps and just start playing. Only wonderful things happen with that! Yay for more laundry space. Hopefully it comes together nicely. That was smart thinking for Ms. Lola! I figured that's what you were doing with it. Enjoy the rest of your time with your son and have a blessed weekend!!
I really like my Speed Queen top load washer and dryer that I have had for several years. I live on a farm and it can handle very dirty clothes and large quilts. Happy Easter.
On Demand Water Heater is the way to go for a place where hot water won't be needed multiple times a day. My daughter put one in her house & loves it! Save on that energy bill - why heat water 5 days a week when you will only use it 2 days a week?
I just thought I'd comment that I have a Speed Queen washer (different brand of dryer, we just replace the one that needs it since they live in the basement). I've had it for about 8 years and it runs like a champ. Fast, efficient, noisy, but it's in the basement so I don't care. I'd buy another. There was a small problem the month after it went out of warranty. My local repairman called the mfg and they extended my warranty for a year at no charge so it was all repaired for free. Happy Easter!
TOTALLY agree with you about no front load machines EVER again ... I don't know WHAT I was thinking when we got the set we have now. Would replace but I can't justify that until they just "die". Enjoy your Easter with family ... one of my favorite days of the year! Linda
It is SO heartwarming to read about your dreams coming to fruition! Love it! I am in the same “quilt space” - just finished one and now to the “what is next” place....... 🤔🤔. Since I never seem to be at a loss for projects, I’ll figure it out soon. Happy 🐣 Easter everyone!
I just got my second pfiser dose on Friday. felt really crummy for about 24 hours. Today I feel good.
I have always had a top load washer because I cannot stand the stink of front load. P.U. as we said as little kids back in the days of olden.
I am so happy your boy and his girl are close by.
Yes, I cover my projects with plastic when I leave... not just the napping but any other sorts of antics our beloved kitties and pets dream up.
Happy Easter Bonnie
We love our on demand water heater. We are having a traditional family Easter with all the traditional foods. Everyone has had their vaccinations with the exception of the 14 year olds. We are all either old or have medical or educational jobs so were able to be in the first or second round here in Kansas. It is certainly a blessing for us to be able to get together finally.
Gotta put in my 2 cents on Quiltville laundry needs...buy a commercial washer and dryer since you have the place to put it. Have spent my life calculating an hour per load of laundry times all the loads. Fact of life, right? When my mom's house sold quickly but Covid travel restrictions kept me from returning to where I live overseas, I fortunately could stay in the simple one-room family cabin at a nearby lake. Had to use a laundromat for the first time in 30 years. The local one was only 20 minutes away so off went with a book to read while killing time. To my amazement ( and initial skepticism) a load washed in 22 minutes and dried in 12 and things were cleaner than had ever been. Wish I could remember the brand (begins with D..) but as a retired business owner my reaction is that you should make the investment given the quantity of bed linens and towels you will be washing regularly. More time to sew! Hoping you can get the Inn going again soon. Good luck!
So good to hear your happy thoughts about family and Quiltville Inn. You and your hubster are doing a great job. Our Easter will be small. Son coming over to mow the fields (since we turned 80, hubby and I seem to have lost some energy and and just can't get up the motivation to get it done. Afterwards we'll have ham and scalloped potatoes + (they will, I'll eat vegs) and a special dessert. Other children are getting immunizations and we hope to be together soon. Blessings and Happy Easter!
Trying to be diligent in sorting/packing my stash & notions in prep for huge move in May - where did all this stuff come from? OMG!I've spent more time petting fabric I think & thinking of my Mom, Grandma & Great Grandma as I go through the notions from long ago. I'm 70+ years and I still miss them so! My Singer treadle (1900) will also get wrapped up & put on moving van. They better take good care of her!!!
Have a wonderful Easter!
Happy Easter I'm another Speed Queen user. Can't go wrong with that.
I have to agree with the tankless-water heater comments. So wonderful to always have hot water when you need it.
Maybe that new laundry space is controlled by city "rules" as to why the outside door etc. It is great the way you make things work better for your plan.
My daughter served a “what would Jesus eat?” Easter dinner. A charcuterie board of cheeses, dates, figs, bread with olive oil to dip, olives, almonds, lamb, water, wine. With a few extras He probably didn’t have.
I've had 2 front load washers and don't think I will go with another. There is so much trouble with the seal and cleaning it out. Time, temperature, chemicals and mechanical needed to wash clothes. Front loaders for the home only have mechanical action. It can take an hour or more to wash a load of clothes. Just yuck. I did use a Speed Queen washer, top loader, at my job and really liked it. Uses a more water but I really think the clothes were clean afterwards.
Front loaders at a laundromat are different than the ones in the home. They have stainless steel seals, seem to use more water but are pretty quick.No maintanance or cleaning out that goopy rubber-like seal. I would consider giving up home washer if a clean convenient laundromat were available. And I love seeing people at the laundromat.
You will love the Speed Queen set up. After too many trips out to fix filter problems, our appliance guy said, I'm bringing you a commercial Speed Queen and you'll love it. Eight years later, I miss seeing the repair guy...ahem. During our quarantine, we ate all of our holiday meals out of the freezer. I felt it was time to celebrate vaccinations and get a ham. It's beautiful here this week, so much work going into the vegetable garden, listening to podcasts and dreaming of which UFO to tackle on the next rainy day.
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