Old Dogs - New Tricks

What is that saying? You can't teach an old dog new tricks. Is that it? Well, I agree that my short-lived attempt to train Charlie to stay back when someone comes to the door failed. He's going to be 15 later this month and his attitude is "whatever". But, I saw something the other day in a tutorial by Libby Lehman that I did not know and was glad to learn. I've quilted for a while now and didn't realize that most sewing machines are set at 2.5 for the straight stitch length. Changing that to 2.0 makes all the difference in the quality of the stitches. They are more uniform and hold better at the edge of the block because the thread has a better "twist". I tried it and wow. It's a good thing to know.

Yesterday I did some sewing. Country Threads put out their March BOM. This month you do 3 blocks - 2 12" blocks and 1 6" block. Here's one of my 12" blocks:

In an attempt to get away from using the same colors all the time, I'm doing this simple BOM quilt in black, white and red. I have no idea what I will do with it when it's finished but I understand that babies like black and white so maybe a baby will get this quilt. And for those who always ask when I use a little of the doxie fabric in a quilt, we are out of that fabric. I wish I had bought bolts and bolts of it because there are a LOT of people out there who love doxies (me included-I have a doxie grand dog). Sorry, I don't even know where you can get this fabric anymore. That's a lesson in buying the fabric you love while you can!

I'm working today at my "real job" to try to get caught up from the computer being down last week. That set me back 3 days! I put the March Giveaway up yesterday so don't forget to enter that! No other news here at Squirrely Oaks Ranch. Apparently it's squirrel mating season here. From all the raucous activity going on, there should be a bumper crop of baby squirrels! Move on squirrel! No girl squirrels in here! I will be feeding you in a little while...geez....

Have a great Sunday. I hope you don't have to work and that you get to sew! Try that stitch shortening thing. It really makes a difference! Cheery wave from Bev!