Shop Hop Updates

When I went on the shop hop, I wrote about some of the things I wanted to buy along the way to be entered in the drawing.  Well, I've been able to try out some of the things I bought and have an update.  I wanted the rubber rings that go under a ruler to keep it from sliding while I cut material but someone talked me into the sandpaper circles instead.  I've been putting these circles on all my rulers and they work really well.  I'm still not convinced they are better than the others but these will certainly work.  Yesterday I was trying to finish up the table runner I'm making my daughter after having to buy more fabric for the back.  I wanted to use the binding tool I bought on the shop hop.  I guess that one day at the class I took was not enough for me to remember how to use it.  Mind you, I was just watching that day as I registered late.  The instructions were not the best even though it was touted that they were right there on the tool.  I goofed, and goofed and had to add more binding strips to what I had originally sewn on.  I also had to find a video that would explain it better.  Now I know and it looks good.  Of course, my attempt at also sewing the other side of the binding on with the machine was not as perfect.  Hopefully, practice will make perfect.  I made one more revelation as I reorganized my sewing room about some small projects I'd like to try and other templates I bought at the shop hop.  I 'm going to make some blocks, sometimes referred to as UFO's (UnFinished Objects) and add to them to make pillow shams.  They would finish off the bed very nicely, I think.  That might also get some of those patterns out of my system so I can finish bigger projects I have.  We'll see what happens.

Hangin' Bugs

Just another comment on the hanging strawberry plant and others.  When we got home we noticed a hanging pouch on the side of the plant.  We assumed it was some kind of fertilizer that could be put on but there were no directions.  It also came with the dahlia that my daughter gave us.  At that point my hubby looked it up on the internet and found it was bugs.  That's right  -  bugs!!!  They were supposed to keep other bugs away so there was nothing to do.  They could have told us that because we took them off so they wouldn't get wet.  This is where some direction would have been very helpful.  So now you know if you encounter the same sort of thing.

What's Hangin'

Spring is upon us, thank goodness.  But now our thoughts are on plants.  We've already been to Johnston's buying spreading ground evergreens for the side of the garage.  My hubby had certain specific varieties picked out that he found either online or at the home show earlier.  We also went to the Holden Arboretum near Cleveland for their plant sale.  Like I said most of the purchases were my hubby's choice but while I'm at these places, I can't help but eye up some of the more interesting things.  While at Johnston's, I saw a hanging strawberry plant.  It was so neat I had to get it.  It's an everbearing  that even has runners which makes it perfect for a hanging basket.  Then when we were at my daughter's this past weekend, in a quick trip inside Marc's, my hubby picked me up another variety for only $5.  He knows what I like and the price was definitely right.  So along with a beautiful dahlia plant my other daughter gave me, I'm all set out front.  Of course, that doesn't stop me from looking.  Yesterday we made our annual trip to Plantscape for flowers for the graves.  As we were finishing I saw a bunch of strawberry plants for sale.  I looked and looked for hanging baskets but there were none to be found.  They missed the boat in my opinion.  I feel like these were the pick of the season (no pun intended).  Oh well, I have my 2 which will be producing berries in the near future and now I also know how to keep them a little longer.  Sorry, but that will be another blog post, maybe after more research. 

Where the Sales Are

Just had to write something about Gabes.  I've mentioned needing pants to fit into and my hubby said BonTon had capris on sale.  Well, I absolutely hate BonTons and their price was still $20 for capris.  That's not my idea of a sale.  I usually go to Grove City Outlet for stuff like that but I knew it would be awhile before I got down there.  So my next thought was Gabes.  Last year I got a bunch of GV long pants at $10 each which was a really good deal so I thought I'd try them.  I know it's hit or miss with whatever I'm looking for but it was worth a try.  I did have to scour the place but I walked into the dressing room with my limit (8 items) and back out with 4 items (3 capris and 1 shirt).  Success!!! Most of it was $5.99 and 1 was 7.99 and even got a pair of Eddie Bauer capris.  I was very happy.  I think also if I can lose some weight, they'll still fit ok.  Another thing I was looking for were the new Sketchers sneakers with memory foam in them but couldn't find those.  I have a pair of flip-flops that has it and they are wonderful.  The only problem is when you don't wear socks, they get really stinky.  I've washed the whole shoe but I think sneakers would be great because I could take out the liner and wash it separate.  Anyway, I wear socks with them so it really wouldn't be an issue.  I'll keep looking.  Great shopping day!!

Diet Woes

I feel like I hit my limit with my weight especially when the only pants I could fit into were exercise pants.  I'm exaggerating of course but you get the idea.  I have cut down on portion sizes drastically but to no avail.  I realize that my biggest problem is low metabolism but this is ridiculous.  So I'm going with a plan that worked for me in the past which is higher protein, no sweets, no breads, more water, etc. -  you get the idea.  It kind of fits in with what they talked about this morning on tv  -  the same food every day.  It really takes the excitement out of eating so you're not looking forward to it as much. The down side is I'll probably be eating salads every day which could influence my meds.    We'll see what happens.  Unfortunately, the clothes situation is desperate so I might have to shop for a couple more things. 

Shop Hop Update

Well, here's the update on the bus trip.  All in all I'd say it was a successful and fun trip.  I was able to purchase many of the things on my list and obtained the required number of stamps to get an entry in the prize drawing.  Some places were more accommodating than others and for that reason I'm more inclined to return to certain shops.  All of the shops provided snacks for us when we visited which was nice.  We also were treated to lunch at the new Needle in a Haystack quilting retreat which was exceptionally nice.  I think I would say I'd go on another shop hop in the future. 

Off On a Bus Trip

Well, tomorrow I'm off on a shop hop.  It's a bus trip that stops at 8 different quilt shops in an area.  It will be a long day but at least I'm not driving.  The lady that has organized it has us at 45 min. at each shop.  I've been putting a lot of thought into what I can buy at each place so as to guarantee an entry for the prizes.  We also get a discount at each shop.  I'm sure with 20 coming at once, there won't be a lot of time to cut fabric so I have a couple quickie purchases in mind.

1. True Grips  -  These are small rubber circles to put under rulers to keep them from slipping.
2. Binding tool  -  Just used one of these the other day in a binding class.  I'm always trying to perfect my binding skills.
3. Templates  -  I'm still looking for that Rapid-Fire Lemoyne Star one.  Of course, a diamond or triangle template would also add to my collection. 
4. Fat Quarters  -  Any of these in suitable prints would be quick and easy since they are pre-cut.

So that give me some ideas to go on.  I was also thinking this morning that if my mom were here she'd be the first one on the bus.  I don't think I ever went on a bus trip with her though.  The times I went were either with my sisters or the girl scouts.  Heaven knows I could fill a bus up with trips to Cleveland, Virginia and Grove City, to name a few.  I'll probably have to catch a few z's unless conversation is more stimulating that a bunch of young girls singing camp songs.  I'll keep you updated.