10 Things I know for sure.....

Did you ever have one of those moments in life when you could feel the earth tilt on its axis. I did. When going for my annual physical, they discovered after many tests that I need surgery. I remember coming home from the biopsy thinking this can't be real. I am way to young for this. What if it was the C word? Had I accomplished what i thought i wanted in this world. The answer was No. And then I started thinking about what did I want? And I came up with this list.

1. To spend more time doing the things I love.
2. Spend less time on the people and things that were not making me happy.
3. Creating an enviroment within my home that was nuturing to me and my family.
4. Keeping a journal of my day to day.
5. Sewing every day
6. Not taking my health for granted.
7. Living more for today, then 10, 20 years down the road.
8. Accepting the things I cannot change.
9. Making my relationships stronger
10. Keeping everything in perspective.

Thankfully, it was not the C word, however I still needed to have surgery and have recovered quite well.

Cross Stitching For Christmas

Starting a new cross stitching of red breasted robin. I haven't stitched by hand in a while. It is nice to have something to carry around with me, without having to sit at my sewing machine. This is a project that I can see me doing many more of. It is small, easy to handle and fairly quick to complete. I am thinking of designing some of my own to hang on the Christmas tree. If you are wanting to do this one specifically it is in the October issue of Cross Stitcher  .

Aha Moment...



Rainbow over our back yard yesterday

 Over the weekend I spoke to my mom and as I was telling her about my quest to lose a few pounds before the holiday season. She proceeded to tell me that it was a waste of time as I would only gain it back. At first I have to say this really upset me. I didn't say anything at the time to her and hung up feeling deflated. I went down and worked out on the treadmill and had an official aha moment. I realized that my parents have been giving me an out my whole life. If you don't like something quit. If its to hard quit. I have been aloud to quit for as long as I can remember. I quit school at an early age, if I didnt like a business that I started I would quit. My husband is the greatest man, however he has allowed me to quit. When I don't like something or want to do something he allows me to quit. No more quitting. I am on a mission to find a career that works for me and my family and I now have a little more clarity on where that will lead.

This blog is about me .

It's funny, I have been struggling lately trying to find the balance between me and this blog. I enjoy blogging, believe it or not. And I want to write about whats real in my life. Is this a design blog, a sewing blog, a blog of tutorials, who am I? And then it hit me. This is a blog about me. My journey through life and my pursuit of happiness. I love sewing, decorating, designing, helping people learn things etc. I am a woman who has had many experiences in life and love. I am a step-mother to two girls and a step-grandmother to 5 grandchildren. I am a friend, a sister, a step mother, a wife and an entrepreneur. I am always pursuing knowledge and I want to know what really makes me tick. I am learning about me, how I handle things. What makes me jump for joy. What makes me get up in the morning. I am constantly learning. I have felt the pressure of what do people want from me. How can I make this blog exciting for others, when in reality I just want to discover myself and maybe help others do the same thing.

Blogging Your Way

I recently signed up to take a course through  Holly Becker . I find this course is pushing me to do more and has me in my office first thing in the morning. I like having feed back and deadlines. Even though I am on the cusp of missing this one. I find the videos, interactive forum and other students, educational, exciting and a bit overwhelming. However as the Blogging Your Way course is progressing so am I. I am looking forward to see what the next few weeks bring and how my blog evolves. You can sign up for the next segment of classes at Decor 8 E Classes .

I-Phone Case

I made this I-Phone case for a couple of the girls at the local coffee shop. They are always so pleasant and nice to me and  I wanted to do something nice for them. This case will only fit an I-Phone, the Blackberry phones are to wide. You would need to modify the pattern to make a little wider. I found this tuturial at During Quiet Time she has an excellent tutorial and pattern with easy to follow instructions.

Bedroom Makeover

This next month my goal is to makeover this bedroom. It is our master and I want to up the romance factor. We have been living in our house for 5 years and it seems that every home I go to, the one room that never looks finished is the bedroom. I wonder why that is? If you have any thoughts on this let me know?I think it say's something about where you are in your relationship and how you feel about each other. I want to inspire us to be more intimate. We have this great relationship, however I want to strive for more, different, spice, passion. Maybe this is way to much information, however I understand blogs are all about honesty and keeping it real. Next week I will show you my inspiration for the room.

Who me a writer?

My Dog Sammy

Today I had a customer come into the store who had read my blog. She said you
should write more your good at it. I find it so interestting how we perceive
ourselves and how someone else does. When I was in grade five or six I wrote a poem that was good enough for the school year book. I remember coming into school that morning and the teacher asking me if it was okay. I was 10 or 11 at the time and oblivious as to how significant that was. We were not financially well off and could not afford to buy the yearbook. I am still looking for one. If you see a Jersey Public School Yearbook from Keswick 1977-1979 . I have narrowed down to those years, please let me know. I would love to have it. I am so curious as to what I wrote. The only thing I remember about it was that I thought it didn't have to rhyme to be poetry.

Custom Cradle

A while back a young lady came into the store and asked if  I would make bumper pads and a fitted sheet for her custom wood cradle. Although I had never done anything like that before , I felt pretty confident in my sewing. This is the results. She loved it and so did I. I enjoyed making the whole project. I hope her new little girl loves it too.

New Class Schedule

Class Schedule February, March 2012


The Sewing Table, Wasaga Beach


Stack and Whack

This is a very popular class. Learn to cut fabric into a kaleidoscope of blocks.

Tuesday February 28th, March 6th and 13th 5-8 pm $45.00 plus cost of book





Disappearing 9 Patch .

This quilt is fun and easy to make with 5 inch charm squares. We will be making 12 blocks, however you

Could do more to make a larger quilt.

Thur March 1st, 8th and 15th $45.00



Machine Quilting

Janet will teach you the basics of machine quilting, stencils, marking tools, hoops etc

Tue February 7th, 14th and 21st. 5 -8 pm $45.00

Machine Techniques

Janet will teach a two week techniques class on needlelace, free motion on tulle , dimentional trees,

Reverse bobbin demonstration, wired leaves and machine applique.

Note: Machine quilting course is a pre-requisite for this class.

Wednesday February 29th and March 7th 10 am – 1 pm $65.00



Fan Place Matts

Gerry will teach this fun and creative method of making fan place matts.

Thursday March 1st 10 am- 1 pm $45.00



Pillowcases.

Gerry will teach a method of folding and cutting pillowcases to show no inside seams.

This is a great way to make gifts for someone you love .



Thursday March 8th 10 am – 1 pm $ 25.00





We are no longer holding children’s Classes .



Classes are on a first come first pay basis. We have a small space, classroom size is maximum 4 people.

Please call The Sewing Table to reserve your spot at 705-422-2099 or email thesewingtable@yahoo.ca

Thank You

Peggy

It has been a long time ...

I realize I have been away from this blog for a long time and It has been for several reasons. I wasnt sure what I wanted to write or why and I really wanted to do this. It was for me and for fun and journal my goals and trials and tribulations of my journey in this life. I hope that if you are reading along with me that you will enjoy the ride.

I have wanted to open a quilt shop for at least 10 years and last September , I finally did it. I found a cute little spot in Wasaga Beach and leased it. It has been a lot of work and a roller coaster ride of emotions. I am glad that I am doing, however I must say their are some things that I wasnt prepared for. I will write about this journey and the ups and downs of owning a shop. Above is a picture of the shop.

Canada Day

This weekend is a long weekend in Canada. It is our Canada Day Holiday tomorrow. I love short weeks, getting up without having to rush around. I wish the specialty coffee shops were open, however I understand that everyone needs a break and one day without a green tea latte isnt going to hurt me. We don't generally plan anything for our weekends. We have a motorcycle so if the weather is good and it sounds like it is. We will ride somewhere thru quiant little towns and villages and grab a bite to eat at some little out of the way place. That is my favourite part of riding. Seeing places and restaurants that we wouldn't normally drive to in a car. Their is fireworks at our ball diamond on friday night and my husband and I will go over to see them. I like that we can just do what feels right for the moment. No set plans? What is your plans for the weekend?

New Mixed Media Work

Lately, I have been doing a lot of painting. I took a mixed media art course and really loved it. These are a few of my pieces that I have been working on.

What have you been working on lately?

Happy Mother's Day

(My mom on the left, me and my aunt Marlyne)

Sunday is Mother's Day and I have made a decision this year to really get to know my mom. I know that may sound a little weird, however I feel like I know my mom and her little habits and her personality. I have never up until now taken the time to ask her what were your dreams, hopes, favourite moments in life etc. So last Sunday I took my mom out to lunch and asked her. My mom had children young, she was 17 when she had my sister and left home when she was 14 because her life their was not great. She met my dad when she was 14 and they have been together ever since 50 years later. They went on to have 7 children ( 5 girls and 2 boys). Unfortunatey two of the girls died. One at birth and one at 16 months of crib death. My mom was pregnant for just about 9 years straight. Her whole life was and still is dedicated to her children. She is the greatest mom I could have, and I know a lot of people say that. I mean it. When I asked her what did you want to do for a career when you dreamt of your life, she said I would have liked to have been a teacher. I was surprised at first. I had never heard my mom say this. And although she doesnt think so , she has been the greatest teacher. Always patient, and kind. I also learned that she also would have liked to play the piano and possibly take ballet lessons. My moms health is not the greatest and she will now never know these dreams. It taught me a lesson I will never forget and that is to live your dreams now, dont wait until tomorrow. I plan on many more get to know you moments with my mom and am excited to get to know the girl inside the women. I love you with all my heart and soul. Happy Mothers Day Mom.

Versatile Blogger Award

I feel like a bit of a dork. I was looking at my blogger stats ( which I didnt know existed) until today, and seen something called referring url's when I clicked into it I realized these are blogs that have referred back to me. What an amazing blogging community. I seen that I received the Versatile Blogger Award from Les Quilts . What an amazing and lovely thing to do. This is the lady who made me the beautiful pin cushion , scissor holder, needle holder and chocolate for a swap. So now it is my turn to pass along the award to the blogs that I feel are worthy of a mention . Here are the rules.

The Versatile Blogger Award Rules.

1. Thank the person who gave you the award and link back to them in your post.
2. Tell 7 things about yourself that others must not know about you.
3. Pass along the award to 15 newly discovered bloggers.
4. Contact these bloggers to let them know they have received the award.

Drum roll Please..............

My 15 Versatile Bloggers Awards Are........

Cara Quilts

Future Girl

Kelly Rae Roberts

Sweet Water

Michelle Allen

Sparky Jones

The Farm Chicks

Christy Tomlinson

The Rusted Chain

Angellz Wingz

Arianes Crafts

Ryan Walsh

Cozy Little House

Alice In Paris

Madame Sam

all of these bloggers truly do contribute to the blogging community and are wonderful ladies and gentleman. I hope you look at their blogs and follow them. I have taken courses through them and I follow each and everyone.

Now 7 Things about me you maybe don't know..

1. I have an addiction ( to magazines that is) My husband calls me the magazine queen.
2. I don't have any children of my own, (well Sam, however he is a fur baby).  although I do love them.
3. I have two step daughters
4. I have three step granddaughters and 1 step grandson and another one on the way.
5. I am way to young to be a grandmother of any kind so we are trying to come up with a name for the kids to call me.
6. I have a photographic memory.
7. One of my favourite things to do is sit at the Second Cup coffee shop with a Chai Tea Latte on Sunday mornings read and people watch.

Thank you again Leslie. This has been fun.

Blessed

A couple of months ago after the disaster in Japan one of my fellow bloggers The Rusted Chain put these beautiful necklaces up for sale and offered to send part of the proceeds to their relief efforts. I ordered one  and received it several weeks ago. It came in a cute box with a little bow and was very pretty in person. I do feel blessed in my life, although it hasnt gone smoothly their have been a lot of bumps, I am so grateful and thankful for this life. I choose to see the bright spots. One of those is all the great blogs and people who write them. Enjoy your day.

Workshop Girl

I just started this great workshop put on by christy tomlinson it is called She Art Girls. It is a 3 week on-line course doing mixed media art. I know I am a quilter and a fabric lover, but sometimes you need to do other things to be able to think outside the box. This is my first girl and I plan on making three in total. I would like them to hang in my bathroom. I hope it doesn't look to busy. It was fun to do, although a little messy with stamps, inks paints etc. This piece is on a 8 x 10 canvas.

My New Pincushion and goodies....

I wasn't in the greatest mood friday ( which fortunately for me doesn't happen very often). However it sure changed in a hurry. My husband brought the mail home and to my delight this was in one of the packages. I participated in a pincushion swap and I got the good end of the deal. Not only was there a beautiful pincushion, but a tiny holder for my embroidery scissors, a needle case with my initial stitched on the front, and not one but two chocolate bunny bars and a lovely handwritten note. It was such a joy to open, I felt like christmas. I only wish that Linda would have included her blog address so that I could link up to her. If your out their and reading this please forward your address and thank you so much for making my day.

Ice... Ice.... Baby

I consider myself in reasonably good shape, however I started a new workout class last night and woke up this morning with a pulled shoulder muscle and two popped ribs. So I was at the chiropractor this morning and on the lounge chair all day icing my back and shoulder. I have another new class tomorrow night. I might have to take it a little easier. I was hoping to sew today and do some screening, that won't be happening. Looking forward to quilt guild tonight a lady is speaking on her history of art quilting. I should have lots of photo's for you tomorrow. Enjoy your day .

She Art Workshop

I am signed up to take this new workshop over at Christy Tomlinson's Blog. I am so excited. Even though I am not a mixed media artist I thought it might help me be more creative in my quilting. I think its good to look outside the box for inspiration. It starts April 11th for anyone wishing to get in on it. She is also having an art journalling workshop which I would like to do as well, however  I want to get through this first. I worked on this little project over the weekend. Their was a tutorial for it in the Cloth Paper Scissors Magazine. If you have'nt read this yet you will want to . They truly have some of the best magazines out their.