Hallngarden isn't this indeed wonderful? I've been doing a little inspiration research through out this. I google decluttering, home decor, organizing. I look at web results and image results. I look at online magazines for ideas. How can those ideas help me? Can I apply any of their methods? rethink my attitude? What does Peggy want out of the available space? Who or what owns this space around me? Do Dave and I own our space or does the clutter own it? Am I happy with the present state of things? Is this really such a big job or can I break it down to be more manageable. When I get into the feeling of I'm tired - it's my cuppa time. That's when I surf for ideas, read online positive attitudes or just simple take a break from it all. Kinda like my winter tune up diet - this year I've approached my annual winter tune up differently. It's not just a diet, I'm doing a lifestyle tune up in all areas of my life. Health eating habits, healthy mental habits (ongoing challenge) and healthier home living habits. I am working this winter on Peggy's mind, body and immediate surroundings. Being a horrid sleeper - bedroom hygiene is a must. By that I mean - decluttered, nice looking - somewhere that is mentally peaceful. It helps a great deal. The funny part is - it's contagious. When I get more organized at home, DH starts to organize his space, his computer area. I don't coax nor bother him - it just seems to rub off. I can't actually say 'at the end of all this' because it is a lifestyle change for me. It will never end because it's a beginning. It's liberating. How this journey affects each and everyone of us will be different. I sincerely hope this has been a very positive experience. Even if you are doing this and not posting - I wish you success and happiness from your efforts. Like I said, I love this place. You inspire me too! Cheers, Peggy

I never backstitch when piecing - like most of the others have commented here I feel comfortable knowing that another seam will cross it at some point in the piecing and that's good enough. I have quilts that are 20 years old, get washed regularly and have never had a seam come apart so i guess it works. When quilting I use the locking stitch on my machine when ending a line of stitching. Or sometimes I just end it and clip the threads. It really depends on how much quilting I'm doing because I figure if there's lots of stitches going on they won't pull lose anyway. And I don't want the extra bulk of a locked stitch. Kate

When my girls were little I sewed alot for them,then i made stabs at crocheting,knitted until artheritis set in, Learned to paint but gave that up when Arther set into my right hand but funny thing I started to quilt,my daughter did some of my cutting I just can't navigate a rotary cutter so far in 2 years I made quilts for all 12 children I don't do any special quilting I usually bind with difficulty, sandwich,tie and stitch in ditch. At least I try and good therapy for me. In fact I had my husband take me to a town nearby this morning to a shop and I bought backing for "Chinese Coin" quilt I am working on.

Love the light and having no obstruction to the view of the porch. I have a similar sight line in our river house and it is wonderful.