Shopping Fabric!!

My dear husband dropped me off in Ottawa street while we were on vacation in Ontario. Ottawa street is all fabric and the parking lot and signs are all buttons and spools (see pic on the side).

I shopped with my daughter-what fun!

Here are the fabrics I picked up. They're all quilting fabrics, as I needed more for the two quilts I'm working on (one king sized for hubby and I, and one for my daughter that she doesn't know about).

 

AND as promised, here is a pic of the cathedral window quilt in progress:

Home Education

My kids are anxious to get back to our home education and their books. They decided to do some of their work, even though we have not officially started (gotta get the harvest in yet).

My youngest enjoying his math.

We plan to visit some friends in Ontario this month as well. I'm looking forward to seeing them-it's been 9 years!

In a Pickle

I made a batch of dill pickles today but didn't have enough cukes to do a batch (drat all that spring rain), so I used zucchini spears instead. I'll let you know how they turn out in a month or two (when we pop open a battle and try them.

I also harvested most of my broccoli today. De-worming them is a chore (I farm organically). Some have suggested salt water soaks, but the silly things attach themselves to the broccoli with fine silk. The trick I use is to pour hot tap water over the whole bunch and shake vigorously. Then I slice off pieces and put them under hot tap water while finely inspecting and separating branches. Then I blanch and freeze. Works great.

I finally decided on a solid black background for my daughter's hope chest quilt. I eyed the blue batiks that were on sale (buy one get two meters free) but I passed on it. The colors on the cathedral window quilt will stand out so much better on black.

I also found some old fashioned map fabric for my map loving youngest son. He needs a new quilt as well.

We helped my mom pick all her latest cukes and veggies from the garden. She kept one and gave me the rest, so guess what I'm doing tomorrow? Pickles! Mustard pickles. I should be able to make 2 batches (about 52 jars!!) I'm getting the kids to help, though!

August 29

Today, I put away the last of the peaches: another 12 bottles of sliced peaches. peach jam, and peach-n-blueberry jam. Turned out yummy.

My feet are so sore, though. I think my arches are falling again. A good soak in the tub helped.

I have curtains to sew for my sister and baby crib sheets for a friend whose expecting. Might work on that tonight, since I can sit for that.

The hurricane winds finally slowed down to a regular breeze tonight. It feels much more peaceful outside now.

I might make a trip to Fabricville tomorrow. I hope to get started on a new quilt for my daughter's hope chest (due in a year). I plan to make a cathedral windows quilt. I found this tutorial that was quite helpful and plan to use it.

Results of the fair

Just back from picking up our items, ribbons, and prize money from the fair.

Here's how it all looked:

My daughter won 15.00$ worth of prizes (her bread won 2'nds and 3'rds-pretty good for an 11 year old competing against adults!)

My son won 9$ in prizes (his handmade pottery candle holder won first place in his age division)

I won 62$ in prizes. I received 5 first place ribbons (for a ring, my dried garden herbs, a crazy quilt I had made for my eldest son, a turnip from my garden, and broccoli I grew.) I also won 8 second place ribbons and 8 third place ribbons.

Quite a haul, quite a haul. :)