Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's back to work we go!

Stitching binding in my favourite spot again. 

Hello Friends.  I am writing to you from camp today.  Hubby and I are out for the Labour Day weekend.  One last stay before the fall chores start and the cooler weather.   We were reminiscing this morning about the many September long weekends we found ourselves packing the truck and trailer with boxes of stuff that I insisted the girls take to university which they never used.  Driving to Toronto in the traffic, carrying the multiple boxes, totes, furniture... For all the parents out there doing the move, let me just say, "That's what memories are made of!" That's what Tylenol is made for! 

I snapped a few pictures of the flowers here at camp.  They always look so beautiful, just as we are about to close for the season.  They are compliments of my oldest daughter who seems to have quite the green thumb.  A few years ago I stuck fake flowers in the pots.  Hey, from the lake, they looked great. Until, one year I forgot to take them out of the pots at close up.  Well they were still blooming in January for the ice fishermen. Now my girl is in charge of flowers and doing a marvellous job.  Thanks sweetie! 

Starting Tuesday, the studio is back to normal, with classes starting up again and a more regular routine.  I will be setting a day aside for all day group classes.  Call me if you have two, three or four of you that would like to come to the studio and quilt.  Missed a lesson, having trouble with an existing project, or don't know where to start.  

Well time to get supper going.  Thanks for dropping by. Until next time, stay safe, careful on the roads and water the flowers. 

My Stitchin' Place!

Hello Friends.  When I can, I spend my weekends during the summer months at the cottage or 'camp' if you are from Northern Ontario.

 We are fairly remote which means I do not have electrical power – this means: no television, Internet, the comforts of indoor climate control, infinite power from wall circuits etc.  We do however use solar energy, which gives us the illusion of electricity with flip-switch lighting along with a propane (gas) stove/fridge and, of course, a Sauna. 

 The Sauna is the focal point and often competes with the kitchen as the heart of the home. It provides us with hot water and a warm place to wash, which is rich part of our heritage as the Sauna offers sanctuary to carry out a ritual of cleansing.  Camp is the place that I do hand work.  I usually have several binding that need stitching as well as all those projects that I long to stitch but never seem to have the time. Often, it seems like there is nothing but time at the lake, although it always seems to fly by and I leave wishing I could stay longer.

 A few years ago a very dear friend of mine taught me to do red work and also introduced me to wool felt appliqué.  Now I collect projects all winter to bring to camp to stitch.  It seems fitting as it is quiet, peaceful and, well… let's just say I have yet to lose my temper while doing this type of stitching!

 Camp is also where I feel the most creative.  I suppose it is the proximity to the water, trees and fresh air. It really is the little things like watching the squirrels run up and down the trees or that moment when a loon surfaces a few feet away from the dock for a look around. It's my 'Zen' zone! So, this evening I write to you while sitting in my favourite chair at the table facing the lake at the camp, needle in hand, stitching and listening to Randy Backman on the CBC radio.  I leave you this week with this question: Do you have a special spot that you enjoy stitching or being creative?  Send me your comments and pictures! I would love to see them and share them for all to enjoy and be inspired.

 Well that's all for now, time for sauna!  Until next time, stay safe, eat some rhubarb and get stitching!