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Post by choney2 on Jul 12, 2021 11:29:17 GMT
Good morning and Happy Monday!
All crafters are welcome here as we discuss crafting, life and our weight loss journey. Crafting includes actual hands on crafting, such as crochetting, knitting, sewing, quilting, needlepoint, painting, jewelry making, etc.....plus reading craft catalogs, craft blogs, watching craft you tubes or other crafting videos, chatting here about crafting,chatting with another person about crafting, reading craft emails, thinking about crafting, organizing crafting supplies, going into craft stores or the craft aisle in a store , attending craft fairs,or any other activity that inspires or directs your mind toward a crafting activity- even visiting us here to join in our posts!! There are plenty of days in which the closest we get to crafting is a visit here, so even if you have no time to craft, we would love to hear from you. We welcome newcomers to our friendly discussion! So glad you are here!! Please feel free to stop in and say hello!!
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Post by choney2 on Jul 12, 2021 12:37:49 GMT
It always amazes me to see the number of folks who stop in and read this thread (which has been here for a good 15 minutes) and never say hello! I am sure the moderators do check in to make sure we keep things civilized…which is fine. Others are welcome here, of course, which is why the opening paragraph is carried over each week. Anyway, stop in and say hello!!
Ruth, I have seen way too many places that the boric acid works against ants- but cannot add my stamp of approval to that list. I opted for some traps for inside the house, and a granular substance that I bought from the hardware store (you sprinkle it around the foundation of the house). For some reason, this year the ants have not been too bad and I did not have to sprinkle the stuff outside. Anyway, its good to hear that you have not had much of a problem with ants this year either.
CJ, well by now you probably have figured out that i am just looking to see what we are doing similarly or differently, and that is why I ask what seems to be silly questions. I also use Warm and Natural batting and if necessary will get warm and white batting for a white quilt. Pretty sure I was told by the long armer that I chose “the wrong” bating for my BOM- she felt I should have used a lighter weight batting than I did. I bought that batting at Joanns- am totally sure that it was a 100% cotton batting and basically selected a batting that was 100% cotton, and came in the size I needed for that 96x96 inch quilt. I got it at Joanns (in the store) and was happy that I got it 40% off. Batting can be pricey, as I am sure you know. I also have a package of quilters dream cotton batting here in the queen size. Think I bought it from the quilt shop in anticipation of the BOM quilt which was called a queen sized quilt. (I must have had a coupon from the quilt shop that I wanted to use). No idea right now what I will use that Quilters Dream for- perhaps the Starlite quilt when I get going on that. I hope you can figure out a set of fabrics that you like for the Starlite quilt. Your eye (which has good taste!) leans toward a coordinated look, avoiding the scrappy look. I wonder if you could go partially scrappy look- a set color scheme but allowing you to put in a few random fabrics. Or even just introducing random fabrics into the center 4 square of each star, or the star points….I am just rambling here, but trying to see if you could go semi scrappy in a way that would be pleasing to your eye. Its such a pretty quilt pattern, and I have been looking to make something like that for a year.
I decided last night to start crochetting the afghan I want to make for DD#2 and DSIL. The pattern is rated easy- its a kit I got from Mary Maxim last fall. So far so good, the instructions are good and the yarn is easy to work with. I have a plumber coming this am. I actually think I have already solved the problem (the bolt which attaches the toilet tank to the base was leaking) but I wonder if the gasket needs (or should be ) replaced also, and I want the flapper and possibly flushing mechanism replaced. If I remember correctly, Dh had mentioned that the shut off valve for that toilet is suspect, so I am a bit afraid to do anything there to make it worse.
Birds are chirping here….I have a wren who is in constant chatter. Such a happy sound. Unfortunately its supposed to be super humid, so at some point I will probably become frustrated and turn the AC on.
BBL Ginny
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Post by gramma15 on Jul 12, 2021 19:35:14 GMT
Ginny, since we're facing similar issues with toilets I do agree with hiring a plumber. Ours was leaking slowly somehow with the water seeping slowly into the toilet bowl. We discovered that doing the dye test. So dh decided to replace all those parts you mentioned. Well when he replaced the waterline it turned out that we didn't have the right size so he had to put the old one back on and is waiting for the new water line he ordered. He suspects there is a problem with our shut off valve too but is very hesitant to try to replace that because it, like many other things in this house, was done in a strange way and would involve cutting out part of the wall. It's 40 years old and if it was up to me I'd get a plumber to see if there is another solution. We discovered the toilet problem after working on the septic tank problems.
Well I think we have to go out and get a pickup order from Walmart probably tomorrow. Dh also has to get his driver's license renewed sometime this month. I hate going out. Once out I'm ok but when I know we're going somewhere I dread it.
Ginny, what kind of stitch pattern is in the afgan you're making for your dd? I've never bought kits from Mary Maxin but have bought yarn from them a couple times and I like it. I once bought a kit from Herrschnerr's that I thought I loved the afgan it made but after I got it I didn't like it after all and used the yarn in the kit for something else. Actually same thing with a couple or three baby blanket kits I bought from them.
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Post by cj59 on Jul 13, 2021 0:04:09 GMT
Hello Everyone Phyl and Sue - I hope you are doing well and will check in when you can. Ruth - I get the same way about going out. I have to build up to it and then once I'm out and doing things I'm alright. But I'm happy to get back home. I'm sorry to hear you have plumbing problems and hope you can get them fixed. I have so many plumbing problems in my house - everything needs to be replaced Ginny - I sometimes think that the views we get or the number of people showing in the thread at one time is not correct. I've sometimes seen 6 people viewing (or something like that) and I really don't think there are 6 people at a time reading here, but I could be wrong It does make me more careful about what I talk about because anybody can be reading here. Hope the plumber did some good work for you and that you enjoy working on the afghan. The Starlite pattern is very nice and I think you'll like making it. I'm trying to avoid making scrappy quilts (except for my Rainbow Scrap Challenge monthly blocks) since they kind of stress me out. I need a quilt that has coordinated fabrics, that's what I like the best. But there are some really pretty scrappy quilts. I made a few blocks for the Starlite quilt and while I'm not completely satisfied with my fabric choices, I'll go ahead and finish the block (9 total) and make a small top. I wanted to try something different and my background fabric color is gray. I'm making 4 stars with the same fabric in the star points and 5 stars with another fabric in the star points. I think it was more of a stretch then I like using a gray background fabric. I'm just used to a white/cream background. I also finished my monthly blocks for the Mini Sewing Bee that came out today. These little blocks have been fun to make each month. I wish I had more Reproduction type fabrics to make more of them. Here's a link to the website to see today's blocks - four patches: temeculaquiltco.blogspot.com/2021/07/tqc-journal-summer-2021-issue-no-6.htmlIt's very hot here today - high 90s and feels hotter. I think the whole week will be like this. Take care everyone!
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Post by choney2 on Jul 13, 2021 0:39:45 GMT
LOVE those reproduction prints, CJ. You have taken us to Temecula quilt’s site before and they nice fabrics. would you consider buying more fabric? I know the Moda Kansas troubles line is reproduction fabrics, some are stunning if you like that kind of fabric. (I do). I am sorry that you are not totally thrilled with the fabrics for the Starlite quilt, but it’s such a nice pattern that you can go back to it with other fabrics. When I get around to making it, I think I will be using a tonal white fabric that I saw on Hobby Lobby’s web site. I will wait for them to put their fabrics on 40% off and then buy the yardage I need. Believe me - I get it about being stressed over a scrappy quilt.( I am!). But I will plunge into it….and let you know how it goes. This is supposed to be fun and not stressful, right? And yes, I am careful about what I say here, knowing that others with less than good intentions might be looking for information.
Ruth, I hope that tomorrow’s journey out is not stressful for you and that you get all you want accomplished. I can imagine with covid, an additional level of stress is added, and now I have heard that some states are seeing a rise in cases again. (Some areas of my state included.) I know you are careful and will take the necessary precautions. Funny about the plumber…..a dear friends son is a plumber and I did contact him 10 days ago to look at this situation….he indicated he would be here Friday mid day. Around 1 I got a text from him that he was overrun with emergencies, and could not make it. So I called a plumber who I have used many times before- he does good work and always treats me very well (along with the plumbers who work under him). I called that plumber Friday afternoon, and he said he could have someone here mid day. The plumber did get here a bit late….and I was ready to call off the repair call, w hen the plumber got here. It all worked out very well. Ends up I fixed the problem myself (sort of) and he replaced the flapper (which I knew needed replacing). Got lots of good info from him. He suggested that sometime in the future the toilet be replaced but there was no rush. I paid cash….and he did what was unheard of…..only charged me for a fraction of an hour on the call, so the bill was well under $100. God is good, I feel blessed. Whatever I spent today on the plumber was well worth it for me.
Going to go see if I can find the pattern on Mary Maxim and copy the link….
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Post by choney2 on Jul 13, 2021 0:44:56 GMT
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Post by choney2 on Jul 13, 2021 0:46:19 GMT
Thanks CJ for the reminder to say , Hi to Phyl and Sue. Think I heard that covid cases are rising in the heartland….Nebraska area….and was concerned about Phyl. Hope she is feeling well and that she is comfortable. Sue, how is the new caregiver working out?
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Post by phyl on Jul 13, 2021 0:51:54 GMT
HI GIRLS,
I am doing ok, still no crafting,been reading Amish quilt stories. trying to figure out what gives me this acid reflux. I KNOW ABOUT THE FOODS
MY NUTRITIONIST said it could possibly be the Trucility I am taking ,also saw my diabetic nurse and she showed me some other kinds I could take. will see my P.C on FRIDAY.
I think about going to my sewing area and that is as far as I get..
CJ. you posted a quilt from the temcu co before,I can not remember what one it was.sure was pretty.
would you please post the starlite quilt again. thank you.
well in the am it will be the dentist chair again, hope she does not say another crown. the upper left side started buggy me Friday.
guess you could say Wednesday I will be crafting,two friends and I are going on a road trip.two small quilt shops not far from here.both in Mn
I THINK EVERY TIME WE COME AND CHECK THE TREAD WE ARE COUNTED.I was here twice today.
I KNOW WHEN THE SEWING thread went To face book, it was just Becki and I we would have maybe viewers in the teens or more.now you know we did no come to the thread that much.sometimes ovr 20.
I THINK PEOPLE WHO ARE LONELY OR DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH THEMSELVES READ ALL THE THREADS..
RUTH I WILL ASK KATHIE ON THE MONTHLY THREAD WHAT SHE MIXES WITH HER BORAX, SHE DID SAY IT WILL KILL GRASS. PHYL
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Post by cj59 on Jul 13, 2021 2:16:54 GMT
Ginny - I'm glad you were able to get a good plumber to take care of your problem. I wouldn't care what I had to pay if I knew I could get a reliable, good plumber to fix my problems. Most of the ones I've had at my house haven't done a good job. Phyl - Sorry to hear about your acid reflux and dental problems, hope both of them can be fixed this week. Enjoy visiting the quilt shops I agree on the counts when someone visits the thread. I know I check a few times a day, even when I'm not logged in, so maybe those count too. Here's a link to the Starlite quilt info: patchworkandpoodles.com/starlite-scrappy-quilt/Here's a different color version: patchworkandpoodles.com/starlite-quilt-cover-version/Info on the current quilt along for this quilt: patchworkandpoodles.com/starlite-quilt-along/
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Post by Ruth on Jul 13, 2021 5:46:28 GMT
Phyl, yes I forgot what we mixed it with to kill the ants. I hope your dental problems and gi distress issues are taken care of soon. I have similar gi issue and I don't know what causes mine. I do have IBS and Colitis but these symptoms are new and more challenging
CJ, I really like the second one that's on the second like you gave us. It really is a very pretty quilt.
Ginny, I was wondering if you get the Mary Maxim catalog in the mail. If so look at page 49. There's a beautiful afgan there. The one you're making is also very beautiful. How large are you making yours. I did see in the catalog today that you can subsitute other colors and in some places they say you can sub any other yarn in the booklet. I imagine they mean any other color in the yarn the kit comes with but it's worded strangely.
I did get tote #3 done and am now working on 4. To more to go after that. This pattern is a little unusual so good thing she provided a video which is a good one and explained and showed what I needed to know.
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Post by choney2 on Jul 13, 2021 11:08:23 GMT
Good morning, Ruth, you are making good progress on those totes! Nice that you have only two more to go after finishing the one you are working on now. Wonder if the pattern designer knew that she needed to compliment the unusual directions with a good video. What a relief that the visual instructions explain better and permit you to make the tote with ease. Yes, I checked out the pattern on page 49. Oddly enough I just got another Mary Maxim catalog in the mail, which I put in the bag with my crocheting instead of the catalog pile (which I usually recycle every 2 weeks). Anyway, I was able to quickly find the catalog. If you are talking about the He is Risen throw, yes its beautiful!!! I love that they allow you to choose from their many different yarn colors to make it. I would most likely never make a throw like that (not because it isn’t magnificent but because I am lazy) because it would have to follow the directions line by line to accommodate the pattern. My experience of ordering from Mary Maxim (when I bought the afghan kit) was outstanding. And they seem to have good sales. Its been many years since I bought from Mary Maxim. As absurd as it sounds, what I love is that even on the directions they have noted my color selections so i do not have to mark up the pattern to reflect my color scheme.
CJ- my plumber lives not terribly far from me- our sons used to play football together when they were little. Its a been a relationship that’s been nurtured over time. We started out using a different plumber when we moved here ands switched to this one when it was time to replace our ancient heater. Little by little we have switched to this plumber. 2 years ago, his worker sort of did the minimum adequate (something that Dh noted)- but when the same problem occurred after Dh passed and I had to call for a plumber, the plumber they sent was instructed by one of the two partners to correct the problem and not just fix the put a bandaid on it. I know its tough to get a good plumber. My friends son is a plumber and he is insanely busy. I tried to get him to fix my toilet- but he just could not fit me in his schedule. Guess the shortage of good plumbers is everywhere.
Phyl, I am hoping for you that your dental woes are an easy fix. From what you have mentioned, it seems like you are on the path to figuring out how to work around reflux, which can be stubborn. Perhaps you can work with your primary care physician and come up with a game plan that works for you. Yes it sure sounds like you will be crafting- hope that you have a nice trip to those two quilt shops in MInnesota.
Yes, I think each time someone stops in to read it counts as s visit. Wonder how much the non posters learn about crafting from us? Bad storms last night….very thankful that my electricity stayed on. Got a little bit of crocheting in last night. I know next I have to start on the quilt for the silly kitten.
Have a good day all….hope that Sue checks in to let us know how she is doing. Ginny
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Post by gramma15 on Jul 13, 2021 18:33:00 GMT
Good afternoon fellow crafters and friends. Yes they do count every time stops in to read or check to see if there are new posts (although you can usually tell by the person listed last in the posting column). I have stopped in several times when I was not able to post a message and had to come back later.
Ginny, yes it is the He is Risen afgan that I was speaking of. They also have one with only a Cross. I do like doing filet crochet but, as you said, you do have to pay attention to directions.I've made a couple now, maybe 3, and I like how they work. I remember making the one with rows of hearts and doing all that counting but it was fun and I have a lot of time. However I don't think I'll be buying their kit.I might make a graph of my own and make it from that. Did you get all the painting done? It's always nice to have a freshly painted room.I don't know any plumbers so when we needed that one to verify that the new purchased water heater was defective I just had to call a company that I'd heard of for years. He wasn't here to fix things but he did agree that the heater was defective.Seemed like a nice guy.
We changed plans (ok pretty much it was me that changed them) and we'll go out tomorrow as that will be the coolest day this week.
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Post by cj59 on Jul 13, 2021 19:11:48 GMT
Hello Ginny - I'm glad you didn't lose electricity from the storm. I'm glad you were able to do some crocheting last night. Ruth - I hope your outing tomorrow goes well, and that the day is cooler. It's very hot here and sunny. I just try to stay cool I meant to mention that I tried out my new ruler - the Clearly Perfect Slotted Trimmer - while I was working on the half square triangles for the Starlite quilt and I like it. It works pretty well. It' a bit tricky moving your rotary cutter around the sides and also cutting off the dog ears, but it does give a really nice trimmed half square triangle. If any of you try the Starlite quilt, I'll let you know that there was very little wasted fabric from trimming the half square triangles. I'd actually have liked a bit more because I don't sew my seams that well and I also don't cut that well sometimes But it was good of the pattern author to eliminate much waste. I finished making all my triangles this morning and just need to trim and press them. I'm attached a picture of the 2 blocks I've made so far. Of my 9 blocks in this quilt 5 of them will be with the solid purple (lilac) fabric and the other 4 will be with the print fabric which has purples and teals in it. The fabric I've laid them on matches some of the florals in the print fabric and I think I'll use it for sashing to brighten up this quilt. Otherwise it's a very dark quilt. I wish I hadn't decided on a gray background, since I do think it would be prettier with a light background. But the first fabric I'd thought I was going to use for the star points had a lot of gray in it. Looking at this picture, this is going to be a strange looking quilt Take care everyone!
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Post by gramma15 on Jul 13, 2021 21:17:55 GMT
WEll maybe white would have brightened it up a bit but it's still going to be a very beautiful quilt. I'm glad the ruler you bought worked so well for you. It's always so frustrating when you buy something and it doesn't live up to expectations.
I was just out pulling some of the weeds that have popped up.If only the things we want to grow nicely would do as well as the weeds do we'd be all set
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Post by choney2 on Jul 14, 2021 0:46:44 GMT
CJ- I think its going to be a pretty quilt- and will all pull together when put together…… thanks for the heads up on the starlite quilt.
Ruth, I grow spectacular weeds. Think we all do. Hope the weather is better tomorrow for your errands.
I did spend some time looking at videos from fabric cafe and reading the directions for the quilt. I am changing my mind regarding which quilt I will make- it sill still be a 3 yard quilt because this one takes a bit less time. I figure I will start cutting the quilt pieces tomorrow. Ginny
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