Make a Difference Day

by | Oct 24, 2015 | Inspiration

Make a Difference Day is a national day of community service that challenges people to volunteer in big and small ways to improve the lives of others. It was started by USA Today magazine in 1980 and continues to grow.   This year, 24 million volunteers are expected...

The Joy of Jigs, Part II

by | Oct 21, 2015 | Woodworking

This article is written by Stephen Parsons. In part I of this series I explained why jigs are so important to me as a woodworker. In this article I’d like to introduce you to  my favourite jig, and if you’ve been paying attention to any of my recent posts,...

Restoration project UFO

by | Oct 19, 2015 | Repurposing

In the interest of reducing my list of UFOs (unfinished projects) it is time to take out a side table project that I started in the spring.  It has been put aside due to lack of workshop room but time to get it out and do some more work to get this off the list. I...

Scraps for pets

by | Oct 16, 2015 | Sewing

As any crafter knows, every project helps you add to your stash of scraps.  When I am quilting, I will keep pretty small scraps because you can make use of some pretty tiny bits on art quilts.  I have them on shelves sorted by colours with strips and larger pieces in...

Memory Quilts

by | Oct 15, 2015 | Quilting, Repurposing, Sewing

My to quilt list includes several new designs for memory quilts.  I  have some collected materials that I have to prepare for those projects, including a pile of men’s shirts and a bag of ties.   I had a few clothing items of Dad’s, some gathered from...

The Joy of Jigs: Part I

by | Oct 14, 2015 | Turning, Woodworking

Today’s post is written by Stephen Parsons. Getting back to woodworking after a long absence has resulted in a lot of satisfaction, many new challenges, and lots of learning. In fact I would say that the greatest satisfaction comes when I learn something new as...

Mini-restoration

by | Oct 13, 2015 | Woodworking

My project today is a small scale.  In fact, toy size.  I am going to repair a toy rocking chair that needs some loving care before it can find a new home. Before – a few pieces missing Some damage on back. Light pink colour. The pencil shows you that I...

Holiday decor

by | Oct 11, 2015 | Sewing

This weekend is Thanksgiving here in Canada. We are having our turkey feast today and does the house ever smell good! Between some running around this morning and prep for dinner, we’ve not had too much time in the woodshop or sewing room today – although...

Fun from woodgears.ca

by | Oct 10, 2015 | Inspiration, Woodworking

Matthias Wandel is a favourite resource for us. His website, WoodGears.ca and his YouTube channel are fun and full of clever ideas. Stephen discovered Matthias some time ago and turned me on to him so now we are both regular viewers. Every week he posts new articles...