Me, Myself and Memories

Updates from August, 2025 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

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  Noreen 2:12 pm on August 11, 2025 Permalink  

  A Necessity 

  After a good run in the studio, it is a necessity to get it cleaned up.  It would not be good to have a seam that needed to be mended to only find the sewing machine was not ready.

  I began with using the old Filter Queen Vacuum for the table tops and the floor.  I knew Saturday had been just as long of a day for Megan as it was for me.  It was more important Saturday that she get home safe.  Today gave me a chance to tuck away all the bits and bobs of sewing items that had been taken out of their storage.  The sewing machine was tidied very slowly.  Amazing how a thread can travel into the deepest, darkest places under the hood.  Several different tweezers got the job done.  A bit of oil and a brand new needle made for the next project to be taken on.

  As we have a funeral to attend this week, I do have a box on the shoulder-high shelf that has some choices of condolence cards.  As I was taking the box off of the security of the shelf, my hand slipped.  The box and all of its contents spilled onto the floor in a five foot wide arc around me.  Nothing to do but get to it and clean it up.  Lots of goodies were in that box.  Some new cards, some old goodies and lots of memories.

  One slip of paper caught my eye as I was picking the contents of the box off of the floor.  It warrants sharing.  “Contentment is a moral excellence.  Contentment without external honor is humility.”  Nothing more needs to be added.

  I did find a card that brought that adventure on.  The box has been returned to the shelf that is the height of my shoulders.

  The air quality is that of a low slung haze when I look out.

  Dennis’ secret sliced cucumber with onion deliquesce will be added to the chicken tenderloins for our supper.  Sweet.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:09 pm on August 10, 2025 Permalink  

  Happy Comfortable Sunday 

  I realize we had rain over night as the deck and drive was wet with the last of the thunder when I got up.

  Yesterday, I had a very full, busy day with Megan on board in the studio.  Megan arrived at ten in the forenoon and we went immediately to the studio for a one-day stitch.  The objective was to sew a pair of pajamas.  Oh yes . . . it was very stretch fabric.  It took Megan several minutes to re-acquaint herself with my sewing machine.  It had been five years since she had used the sewing machine.  The Simplicity pattern was used to cut out the fabric.  Using all the best practices that YouTube could offer it was time to get some seams sewn.  A nip here, a tuck there and the day sped on.  Alterations took most of the time.  No two body proportions are equal.  Simplicity takes the middle of the road.

  Of course we took a turkey, cheese, lettuce,  mayo on soft rye sandwich early afternoon break.  Dennis came down into the studio and was content sitting and watching Megan as she manned the sewing project.  I can only imagine the memories he was recounting.

  As we were winding down, I asked Megan if she would tackle another pair of pajamas using similar fabric.  Without hesitation she was sure she would knowing more about the “how to go about stitching on stretchy fabric.”  I tucked a package of the stretch needles and a roll of the Wonder Stitch into the Simplicity pattern envelope.  She had been amazed at how the Wonder Stitch held the seams and helped in the hemming process.  I knew she would not be able to find the Wonder Stitch very easily now that JoAnne’s is no more.

  By five-thirty we bid Megan and her finished pajamas a “see you again.”  I was happy when we got a text from Megan that she was home safe and sound.

  Admittingly, this Gramme was weary.  I had wanted so badly for this experience to go well for Megan that she would tackle another such project.

  Today the two older ones on Stauffer Avenue are having a quiet day.  Tomorrow my be a tidy, tidy in the studio.  Megan’s fabric left little tuffs here, there and everywhere.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:26 pm on August 8, 2025 Permalink  

  A Day 

  This is a humid nasty day.  Anything taken out of the refrigerator needs to have a towel, paper or otherwise, underneath it to soak up the sweat.

  No studio lights were turned on today.  Nothing needed t be accomplished.  As is my usual, I don’t leave anything to the last moment.  The cat that has be wrestling around in the bag can now be brought out as I just stated I don’t leave anything to the last moment to thus make a crisis.  Tomorrow Megan is coming!  Yaa!  Megan has ask my help with a sewing project.  Yup, you guessed it.  It is a stretchy sewing project.  All the prep that was possible has been done and now we will find out the rest of the story when she arrives.  Needless to say, we are excited to see Megan.

  It’s not uncommon that the first floor of our home gets the after-thought when it comes to the tidy, tidy when I have juicer items going on in the studio.  This morning with my cup of coffee still half full and me in my bathrobe, I had the vacuum going.  I get my best tidy, tidy done in that garb . . . nothing restricting the movement of diligence.  I happened to glance up and saw my friend Maria park in our drive.  She retrieved a plastic bag from the back seat of her car and was headed for the front door.  I didn’t even get the vacuum shut off as I wanted to greet her.  In the past, not wanting to disturb us she has left a bag of goodies on the front deck.  My pink robe and a very disheveled occupant greeted Maria.  Farmer’s Market had just been greeted at the front door.  Sweet.  Green peppers, cucumbers, onions and cherry tomatoes all in her parcel.  You’ve heard the adage, “only your hairdresser knows.”  Maria was on her way to open her salon and stopped to see us first.  Maria was beautiful in a bright red top with not a hair out of place.  She got a good first hand look as to how much her skills are needed.  We hugged it out and she was on her way.

  It is now the afternoon.  I went off to the grocery store to make sure we had some of Megan’s favorites on hand for tomorrow.  When I got home Dennis already had several cucumbers peeled and sliced and was tackling the onion.  Bless his heart.  Now . . . why didn’t his eyes tear up in doing the onion?  Mine were already watering just by coming into the kitchen.

  All that activity and Tom is mowing the yards.  Much accomplished on Stauffer Avenue.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:19 pm on August 7, 2025 Permalink  

  Never too Old 

  Never too old to learn new ways of doing things in the world of sewing.

  When I did a tremendous amount of sewing for my children there was at that time not a lot of yard goods in the stretchy selection.  Well maybe there was, but I chose the woven fabrics.

  When I was in Hobby Lobby, I looked at all the bolts of fabric that were stretchy every which way.  I was intimidated. but I bought a half yard.  Stretchy fabric comes at 60″ wide and not the 44″ of the woven world.

  This week I am watching YouTubes on stretch stuff.  I already have needles geared towards stretch.  One down.  Number 9 on the choices of stitches my Bernina can do is a stretch stitch and I tried it out on woven material.  Two down.  Putting my sample stretch piece under the needle . . . didn’t go so well.  Using my stiletto and encouraging the feed dogs to grab the fabric helped.  Any serious stitching, YouTube suggested “stay stitching” close to the edge with a usual straight stitch, slightly diminishing the stretch.  When I layered two pieces together as in making a seam, with right sides together, they wanted to slip.  The stretch fabric bucked at stick pins.  Push, push and still not sliding in smoothly so as to not distort the soon to be seam.  Hmm.

  The last time I had a challenge was the year I did the remake of the five foot tall Santa.  The velvet fabric with right sides together wanted to slide away from each other.  As that time I had ordered a product that was 1/4″ wide and I think they called it Wonder Stitch.  It came on a fairly good sized flat roll.  By peeling of the protective coating, it became a 1/4″ of almost an invisible product.  At that time I put down a strip on the right side of the seam allowance and then carefully put down the right side of the soon to be seam.  It worked.  I couldn’t get too far ahead of the machine sewing as with no pins working it kept me busy lining up the 3/8ths seam.  I still had some of the Wonder Stitch.

  I tried it on my Hobby Lobby stretchy fabric.  It worked!  As the Wonder Stitch was not stretchy, it also managed the stretch of the two layers for the seam.  My next quest was to try putting on double fold bias tape.  I knew I had scored that as I had just sewn double fold bias on two of Kevin’s shop machine shrouds . . . the key . . . there was no stretch.  I again laid down the Wonder Stitch to sew down the opened double fold bias tape.  Once that was sewn down, there was no more stretch left to fold over the bias take for the top stitching.  Whew!

  All of my “what if” were on a flat straight seam.  Working with curves . . . that’s for tomorrow.

  With all of that, I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:29 pm on August 6, 2025 Permalink  

  Hump Day 

  This is a good day.  At 4:15 when I made a bathroom visit the thunder and lightning was just beginning.  When the commotion is severe enough that multiple windows rattle, I know it means business.  When I listen to the six o’clock news I will find out how much rain we did get. 

  Quite a few years ago on a day such as this, aka: the Nicollet County Fair, Senior Citizens Day, Megan and I would be at the fair taking in all the animal buildings and the rides.  Senior Citizens Day was never very crowded and I didn’t have to keep such a close eye on her.  This was an annual event for Megan and me until Nicholas was three, then Grandpa Dennis went along.  That particular year, it was really hot, but nobody complained.  We ended up having a Dairy Queen before coming home with two weary tikes in the back seat.  Good times and sweet memories.  I can almost taste the greasy min-donuts.

  I was content in the studio trying out different techniques for a soon to be project.  Bernina’s YouTube videos come in real handy.  Google does a pretty good job as well.  If you can think to ask it, there will be multiple solutions.  I now know all about Farm Fest that is in full bore with KNUJ broadcasting pretty much full-time.  That is a lot of work setting up for three days.  I did learn that there are 93 Runnings Stores.  Hmm.

  Time to get some laundry folded.  

  With that I will take my leave.♥

   
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  Noreen 12:58 pm on August 2, 2025 Permalink  

  New Pests 

  Our neighbor to the north is fighting a pest.  Not necessarily new, but new for the neighborhood.  The ground wasps are popping up as mounds of dirt that have not been there the last time Jan mowed.  They are really nasty looking with bright orange and red markings.  We were bothered by them several years ago.  Overnight the amount of dirt they could pile up was amazing.  When we found several mounds we pushed moth balls into the openings until a gnat could not get through.  

  Grandson AJ from Mankato came to check on his grandpa.  He had said grandpa should have an idea or two that needed his help.  Well, well.  This summer is the first time we have had a tree growing out of our eve troths.  AJ got the huge stepladder out.  Though the gutters have screen over them, AJ commented they were thick with dirt dust.  The screens were holding up the tree so it could grow straight and tall.  Too funny.  AJ rolled back the screen and gave it a good cleaning.  By that time AJ’s dad was over.

  Dennis had the weed whip out as our Russian Sage, first time ever, was putting out greenery and no blooms.  I had checked on the internet and the best advice was to cut them back and try again.  Dennis’ plan was the cut-back.  Tom went home and got his four string weed whip out.  I was in the studio and I heard the commotion and I stayed indoors.  Don’t mess with the worker-bees.

  I was in the studio working with the frame that came yesterday for my Christmas Quaker stitching.  For the nominal price, no hardware.  As of now, I have four wood screws holding in some brackets I found.  I then found some gauge or other of light wire.  I was feeling quite proud of myself when I could strip said wire over one of the nails in the Livingroom.  It may all be temporary, but it is up and I am smiling. 

  

  My measurements were spot on.  It came with a piece of foam board.  The foam board I had used to pin on the design slid right in.  The narrow frame has a look of cherry wood and the little gold hits the spot.  As I said . . . temporary.  I got the wood screws in about 75% of the way.  I cannot fail if I don’t try.

  This evening we are having soup and a half sandwich for each.  I have knocked heftier meals out of the park for some time.  I will admit my hands will enjoy a break.  Damn those screwdrivers need a lot of pressure to bite into the wood.  Yep, as I said . . . I am smiling.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 1:45 pm on July 31, 2025 Permalink  

  Camping Smell 

  A camping smell 24/7 from the smoke coming out of Canada.  I can smell it, I can see it and . . . I can feel it when I am outside taking in a deep breathe.  Yuk!

  When we had visited with the Fairfax family before the fourth of July, I had some personal business with Kevin.  That being taken care of, in a shy approach, I was asked about a stitching project that was needed in the shop.  Of course, I was game.  We came home with two shrouds that are used over rather expensive equipment.  A portion of each needed to be shortened.

  This was like no other hemming project I had done.  I measured once, I measured twice before I cut into the vinal backed nylon fabric.

  Yesterday, Dennis and I took a road trip to Fairfax to return the goods.  I held my breath as Kevin and Kersten each covered the two pieces of equipment.  Mission completion.  We popped in and out in a New York minute as there was one vehicle on the hoist and the other with the hood open.  Of course Dennis and I stopped at Hardee’s in Sleepy Eye for chicken tenders with honey mustard dipping sauce and a shake.  A chocolate one for Dennis and a vanilla one for me.  A great day all around. 

  I mentioned to Kevin about Carrie’s idea of putting a door-pull of the edges of my bed-step.  Nothing more needed to be said.  The door-pulls will be here for implementation the next time the Fairfax team visits.

  This morning I rang the bell at Amazon and the door-pulls are on their way to Stauffer Avenue.

  In the studio I am hatching out a plan in using my five designs that I stitched in the Congress of Eagles.  I was in doubt about a fabric so I texted Megan for her advice.  I got great suggestions and I appreciated her getting back to me in short order.  Again, Amazon to the recue.  While I wait for the delivery, I have machine stitching to do.

  Seeing as how the stop at Hardee’s was deemed to be an early supper, I have the check-list for our Subway supper on the dining room table.  Later this afternoon we will make a stop at the mail drop, visit the Dollar General to pick up $1.00 bags of Lemon Heads and then on to Subway.  Sweet.  Dennis’ favorite hard candy is the Lemon Heads so as to keep the mouth freshened.  Let me tell you, they are sour.  I do one a day.  My tongue can’t take anymore.

  Tom did the mowing today and it was sorely needed. 

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:15 pm on July 29, 2025 Permalink  

  Leaf Tips 

  The storm from last night did not bring rain to amount to anything.  The storm did however bring quite a bit of wind as per the amount of leaf tips in the back yard.  In a matter of days the leaves will dry up and not bother the lawnmowers.

  Yesterday, Dennis’ life long friend, Dwayne passed away.  Dennis and the little red pickup will be doing solo “drive arounds” in the community.  An International tractor fellow that will be remembered by many.

  I had a good session in the studio this forenoon.  The piece of hardanger will live a bit longer as I did find a way to display it.  That is one craft I never dipped my toe into but I can appreciate the time and skill in achieving a finished project.  I had everything in the stashes to freshen it up.  I did not resort to any type of glue on the fabric.  Yesterday I did glue two equal squares of foam board together to allow for some sturdiness.  Today, I stretched a burgundy color of the fabric over it so as to have a colored border for the light color of the stitched fabric to be highlighted.  I looked at the frames I had saved in the studio.  One of them had a backing of foam board that was just the right size to put on the back of my project and thus cover up the edges of the burgundy fabric.  Out of site, out of mind.

  

  I did trim up the fringe on the project.  I debated about putting the decorative thumbtacks spaced every several inches around it and then thought that less was more.  I used some of the ribbon that Kersten had given me and hung it on an existing nail in our living room. 

  I call this project done.  When anyone from the family checks it out and has any suggestions on it, for it, I am open to that.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:45 pm on July 28, 2025 Permalink  

  Relief 

  For the storm we had last night, around bedtime, I would have thought there would have been more relief from it.  When humidity and dewpoint are neck and neck . . . not much relief.

  I spent my forenoon in the studio.  I am working with a stitching of hardanger.  For decades I knew that the lady that had stitched this had her favorite spots on the fabric to hold it for each stitch as she went.  I decided to launder it in Woolite, a very gentle product.  I did try to give certain areas a bit more attention.  The oil from our hands could easily hold a candle to the oil I use on my sewing machine . . . well . . . maybe not.  No success.  I am going to go ahead and put it back on a piece of foam board.  The stains do not diminish the quality of stitches nor the time to stitch the piece.  Time will tell.

  The Congress of Eagles that I stitched are all one piece of fabric, 26″ x 29″.  That project is getting closer to having more TLC spent on it.  Stabilizer is needed for each design to be worked with as the fabric is a weave that could ravel before your eyes until there was no plan for it to be used. My plan was to use the woven cotton stabilizer that has adhesive on the back.  I ironed it on as one large piece rather than five individual pieces.  The next time in the studio, they will be cut into individual blocks, with not one the same size as another.  Lights off for the day.

  My next challenge was in the south half of my bedroom porch.  Tiny microscopic ants.  Today, I tried to shine a light on the walls of the area to see if I could find a trail of them either coming or going.  While I am either stitching or using my laptop one will appear and then there might be a variety of them on the mouse pad.  I checked outside to see if I could find some of the critters on the foundation or on the window frames . . . nothing.  I have Taro down in several places.  It did call for making my desk sparse, very sparse . . . “all the better to see you my dear.”  At one point I had used the 3M sticky roller to pick up a few so Dennis could see what I was talking about.  I have been up against mightier foe.

  Alas, the last of the cucumbers are ready for supper as well as the last potatoes peeled.  That means we have worked our way through five pounds of potatoes.   Time for a change of menu.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:10 pm on July 27, 2025 Permalink  

  Advisories 

  Not only old folks, but all need to pay attention when there is a severe heat advisory issued.  I stay inside.  Not one single reason to go out.

  Dennis does keep the patio kitties with plenty of fresh water.  Dennis has commented they don’t have much of an appetite in the heat, but it is available.

  Dennis got a call last night from his friend Dwayne’s wife.  Dwayne had fallen in their home and it was severe enough that he was out in our hospital.  Maria asked if Dennis would come out to see him.  This forenoon Dennis went to see Dwayne.  It is serious and a matter of time.  Blood collection on the brain is not always fatal, but in this case, as I said . . . it’s a matter of time.  Dennis came home and is very quiet.  Dennis and Dwayne graduated together and have been lifelong longs.  Since Dwayne could no longer drive, Dennis would pick up Dwayne and they would tour the surrounding area in Dennis’ little red pickup every several weeks.  Hmm.

  I spent quiet time in the studio working with the foam board and my stitching.  Slowly but surely keeping the stitched fabric straight as I used stick pins.  I didn’t do just one side at a time.  A few pins on each side at a time.  The pins pulled a taut edge with them being about every quarter of an inch.  I had checked on a piece of foam board first to check on the tolerance so as to not degrade it.  I knew my foam board would allow for an almost perfect 20.5″ x 28″ finished piece and it did.  I am pleased with the outcome.  My border fabric sets off the stitching well.

  

  I had been mulling this project and the time and energy I have put into it.  Neither of those two are an issue.  It was a project that brought hours of comfort to me.  I thoroughly enjoyed every stitch.  3/16 foam board does not have a whole lot of stability.  I have a frame ordered for it.  The frame company is used often by other stitchers and they know a reliable company at reasonable prices.  Not any type of glass or plex-a-glass.  It is a fairly narrow wood frame.  The finished size is 22″ x 29.5.  I am excited to enjoy it on our living room wall.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥