Out All Week

Stomach bugs...never really let them get me down earlier in my life, but this one took me out. I am starting to feel better. Funny thing, it probably took the bug to keep me sitting still after all. I have no energy to do much of anything.

 

Sorting Scrap Bins

It is much easier to sort for projects. I pull things out and toss back the pieces that surrounded it or didn't make the audition. It gets messy. 

Well, in my 'sit still' days, sorting keeps me busy. A sorted box or bin doesn't look like much in a photo, but it is very helpful during any selection process.

While I am REALLY tried of not being active, it also filters into what I can do. I am sure it is a low-grade depression setting in. Nothing appeals to me. Everything hurts when I take the most simple of actions.

This is such a different place for me to be. My life has been one of extreme action and now its' not. I am not whining as much as I am stating the facts and hoping like h-e-double toothpicks that it will shift soon. And if it doesn't, then what?

Daily Mood Quilt

One of the groups I am in is hosting a daily block for moods. What i do is decide my morning mood, select a 5" charm from the box and either add it uncut or as a HST. It takes commitment to log in the mood. I have a shoebox filled with leftover charm squares that I decided to use for this project.

I also decided to use the finished piece for a back on one of the other quilts I am working on. The designer did a great job creating the pattern and by the time it is finished, it will have 365 blocks as well as the border strips. 

My moods are not really relative to the fabrics as much as simply using these cut squares in something. It is the fabric I pick up that signals to my brain that yes, this is what you are feeling today. However, really, the choices are more about what I pick up from the box and the colors that I originally assigned to various moods. For instance, if I am feeling gloomy, I might pick a gray or a beige. Cheery might be a pastel or something bright. Then, I look at what is in the box. Now that I am getting closer to mid-year, I want to take some of the cut triangles so they don't get scrapped even more.

There is a diaper ad that shows the difference between how a first-time parent reacts to various things the baby does and then how they react to the second or third child. I think that this project is like having a third child. I have learned piecing techniques and also know that with scrap quilting, the more colors and fabrics in a piece, the less it has to coordinate. 

Everything suddenly fits together.

Earth Day

I didn't quilt today. My doc said that my 'sit still' recovery needs to take a couple more weeks, and while this is frustrating, I am trying to hold to that and have been reading and resting. 

When a person, who is used to high activity, is made to rest, the mind does all sorts of weird things. I fall into the depths of thought that predicts I will never regain my abilities. Not true of course, but it is the primary thought. Then I feel every ache and pain to high levels, but know, in truth, that it is lessoning each day I give into rest. It is extremely difficult for me to give in. Two more weeks seems like an eternity.

I took out the Treasure Hunt supplies for my 12-year-old Grandson's birthday. I had to change one of the clues from the 'washing machine' to the 'garage' because the clue to the dryer might have sent him into the side-by-side appliance. I bought more wrapping paper & tape for the packages. I haven't started that part of the process yet. It all needs to be wrapped & finalized for a mid-May mailing so my Son gets it in time. This is the next step and one I may take soon.

His language of love is QUALITY TIME, and that is mighty difficult to manage living more than 2000 miles apart. The other Grands had me for many years, and I am the 'second' Grandmother for all of them, meaning their Maternal side often ranks first. Makes sense that the kids would lean toward the side of the family they see most.

I can express my love in every way as listed here, except for the physical touch and the quality time. Of course, that is exactly what they need. I work very hard to express love in every way possible for long-distance relationships.

In truth, the older I get, the less energy I put into sending what they might like or need. All of us can only do what we can only do. It really requires a great deal of creativity.

My Grandson is the youngest of them all, and the only boy. This is the third birthday treasure hunt I've put together, and so I know more of the method that it takes, and think it will be so fun for him, my Son and his partner.

Saturday Fabric Shopping

I wanted to get fabrics for a few projects for my seasonal projects. Today was a good day to stop on the way back from the Post Office. I shipped out the last 2 swaps and so am officially finished with Swap-bot. I have a few birthday cards to get out later, but just cards.

My intention was to finish up buying the last 2 FQ's needed out of 24, so that project is ready to start come August. It can sit now and wait. I also picked up some Hallows prints that I want to use in mug rugs that are also planned. 

I am driving to LA for a celebratory dinner so the rest of my morning and into early afternoon is going to be listening to audiobooks. Rest. Hard for me, but essential if I am going to be fit enough to get through this sciatica flare.

Everything I read about folks resting to recover indicates that most of us have a hard time doing it. For me, it took several relapses that made it actually harder and longer in the coming. Rest. 

#2 Jelly Roll

There are 2 colors of each shade in the jelly rolls I selected, so the first piecing was to join the strips of the same shade. Next was to join shade pairs 1&2 to 3&4; 5&6 to 7&8; 9&10 to 11&12 until the end row of 21. Then each 4-row sections get joined, the 8-rows, and finally the entire jelly roll is connected. Each joining got pressed before adding the next one.

It is my thought to do the second jelly roll into the long part and set it aside to work on other projects. How many times I have to confess I have not returned to Round 4 of the Medallion quilt is a mystery. Oh wait. It IS a mystery.

I know I keep putting other projects in front of it, and I have no idea why it has become a UFO. I keep saying I am determined to work on it and then look at it, turn it over in my hand and put it back in the bin. Every night as I put things away, I promise myself that I will do it in the morning. Morning comes and I find something else.

Along with errands in town, I am doing the second jelly roll, with absolutely no plan to do Round 4. This is honest.

Bargello

This is not usually an easy quilt, yet one I have always wanted to make. My younger Son turns 50 on his next birthday. While I usually do not mark those events, it gives me the opportunity to push myself and make something very different. I asked him what color he would like his next quilt to be and he said anything would work. 

Well, with this pattern in mind, it takes 2 identical jelly rolls with 42 strips. Key to the pattern is that each color is repeated twice. A lot of them are only doing 40. I finally ordered 2 from Michael Miller Fabrics, and added 2 strips to make the 42. I only laid out one jelly roll because of limited floor space, pinned them and can make the first half of the first round of piecing.

The pattern is great for a Bargello beginner. As is usually the case, the pattern confuses me so going slow is essential. Luckily, the birthday is in February, so if it is ready to ship by January 2019, it will make me happy.

eas·y  ˈēzē/

adjective: easy; comparative adjective: easier; superlative adjective: easiest

1. achieved without great effort; presenting few difficulties.

   "an easy way of retrieving information"

   
   

   synonyms:

   uncomplicated, undemanding, unchallenging, effortless, painless, trouble-free, facile, simple, straightforward, elementary;  informaleasy as pie, a piece of cake, child's play, kids' stuff, a cinch, no sweat, a breeze, smooth sailing, duck soup, a snap "the task was very easy"

   antonyms:

   difficult, challenging

   • (of an object of attack or criticism) having no defense; vulnerable.

     "he was vulnerable and an easy target"

     
     

     synonyms:

     vulnerable, susceptible, defenseless;

     antonyms:

     streetwise, savvy

2. (of a period of time or way of life) free from worries or problems.

   "promises of an easy life in the New World"

   
   

   synonyms:

   calm, tranquil, serene, quiet, peaceful, untroubled, contented, relaxed, comfortable, secure, safe; informalcushy "an easy life"

   antonyms:

   stressful, chaotic

Small Details

Over the years, I've learned to check and re-check seams, and corners before basting. The first time, I pinned places where the project needed to go back to the machine. Its not about being obsessive or a perfectionist, but more about being practical.

The top and back of the current comfort quilt is reinforced. The next round of checking will be the final one. Its important that the seams and corners be strong enough to withstand hard use. All the quilts made here are utility quilts, meant to be used.

The other project is the Medallion / Round 4.  This particular block is called the Star of Hope. I've been avoiding it because of the technical steps that require the rays of the star go in a specific direction. The first cut was way wrong, and the second attempt had the ray components going incorrectly. I put it away because it just frustrated me and I wasn't feeling good. 

I am feeling better, so my head is clear and I can return to the task which is more than likely simple.

Funny thing about not feeling well. Whatever is going on physically, for me at least, seems to effect my thoughts, my emotions and my spirit. I loose hope. My thoughts darken. My emotions despair. And so does the spirit. Of course, I could not work on a block called Star of Hope. Of course.

Kitty Beds

The fleece I bought at JoAnn Fabrics was to make 2 kitty beds. One of the practices I want to continue is to use 'trim-scraps' rather than to toss baskets full of them into the trash. I have made 2 for Rico that he uses from time to time.

These are for two Wisconsin fur babies. Soft fleece beds, which are more like pillows, can be tossed anywhere, and cats want to sit and lay on them. I will stuff a little lighter than I did some earlier ones I made. They just need a bit of a cushioning. Additionally, it is a wash/dry piece.

I've decided to step back from swapping through SwapBot. Swaps that call for crafting are out for me. My skills have never been good in that area. I like the Stocking Stuffer Swaps because it is nice to have small gifts at the end of the year for holidays. I could just wrap my own things, but for now, that one stays. Postage was getting worse too, so it is another reason to step back. 

My computer geek is looking for an affordable laptop that I can use for writing. One thing that happened with me over the last few years is that my quilting took over so much of my time that I stopped writing. Then Swap-bot took over another portion of free time so I wrote even less. In fact after awhile these blog entries were all the writing I was doing. I guess I am just re-visiting priorities. 

Important Step This Cutting

I took out the bin with all the scrap pieces in it and spent yesterday cutting them into smaller units. I remember when I first did this and how anxious I got thinking that maybe I would need them in larger scraps. Well, time proved that if they were cut into the largest possible pieces, they would find homes. Another concern was that I should 'save' fabrics for special projects. 

What special projects? If a person lives in the here & now or in the moment, then what they do, everything they do, is special. 


It works to see what I have and what I need. 

I keep giving myself deadlines like: If something in the closet is not used in a year, then it needs to go. In many cases that came to be. For instance, my Mother-In-Law passed 3 years ago now, and I donated a lot of her fabric, a lot of her quilting tools, magazines or books, and supplies.

Every once in awhile, I make the trip into a fabric store and buy supplemental items like seam rippers, rotary blades, batting, thread, and yes, fabric. I still shop from my closet first. 

And cutting what is there has become vital to the work. When fabric is organized and ready to use, it gets used. I measure and mark the larger pieces so it makes it easier to take out the sized piece in the color that will work.

And after each project, there are remains to be cut again for service in another project. I know that eventually what I have will be part of my estate that another quilter can use. She will take it and incorporate it into how she works.

This half of the closet contains, oddly cut scraps, a bin of 2.5", 3", 4", 6", 8", 10" and 2.5" strips, a holiday bin of cuts like those sizes, a current project, batting and flannel scraps.

The other size holds project bins and the last of the larger cuts of fabric. And of course, there is an overhead shelf with smaller bins that hold various kits or projects I made. I seem to make a dent in it all every year and then find the extra fabrics I bought to complement what I am doing adds to the stash. It really is never ending. But close. I am getting closer.

A common complaint many of us have about JoAnn Fabrics is that we get coupons either in the mail or online and get excited to shop. Then, when we get there, everything is onsale or the coupon expired yesterday or starts tomorrow. I walked out spending only $44. 

What I brought home was some light lime green fabric that turned out not to be enough for the background HOWEVER will work for those Ms Santa (mine are going to be named LaBefana) pillows. I have 6 to make and want to make the back like an envelope the pillow can slip into.

I got a package of Warm & Natural queen size batting, the black frame for Mother's painting, and half a yard of fleece so I can make a cat pillow using batting leftovers. They seem to love having their own too.

Comfort Quilt Back

I had 3 different scrappy backs started and in a bin waiting for a match. Its like dating!  I measured the top, and then did a simple calculation for what the 3 backs measure. My intention with making generic backs out of scraps is that when they are needed, I can either add blocks or subtract from what is there. When I have to buy fabric for a back, it ends up anywhere from $50 or more. Its not about the money as much as it is USING what I already have. I can afford to buy the fabric but that is not my first choice.

The top is made of 8" blocks and one of the backs is also that size. I added more blocks to it, and checked seams and corners in the back to make any 'repairs'. I joined some of the larger pieces of batting too.

This part of the project requires is just time. Time. Oh funny. If there was ever a spiritual issue I am dealing with it is TIME.

Layout

I think with scrappy quilts, the final layout might be easier on some of them. This quilt has 4 types of blocks made with coordinating FQ's. All of them are trimmed to the 8" size. So there are solid squares, framed squares, strips and 16-squares in a block. 

To that end, the layout is simple enough. My goal was to vary the block types and colors. I feel a little skilled first of all, then know that no matter the layout, because the colors ARE coordinating, however they layout, they will work. I want to do one final check of the strip sets to make sure they are going in different directions, and that all the directional prints go the same way, and then will start pinning. It is 8 blocks across by 9 blocks down.

Comforting Quilts

I don't know the man this comfort quilt is going to. In fact, I only met his DIL a couple of times when we both lived in LA. He had a stroke. She nominated him for one of the comfort quilts when I made the offer on Facebook.

As I mentioned before, the pattern says it is easy. Easy, but time consuming. It is ready for the layout process, and then needs to have rows pinned & numbered and pieced. Pressing goes on with each seam to keep it flat. 

I received one of my Mother's paintings in the mail today. She's in a MN nursing home. One of the residential activities is painting. She says she loves painting. I believe that its like those adult, late night restaurant sessions set up all over where groups of people come for wine and snacks, pay their fee and learn painting techniques. This one is based on the work of Fernand LaBelle. 

Its good. She did a good job even though I don't know what the model looked like. She said it reminded her of the barn on the farm she grew up on, and she knew I liked Birch trees. That is huge for her right now because some days she doesn't know who I am.

In one way, following someone else's quilt pattern is like the group painting process. Only, we get to select the fabrics and colors.

Mother has changed in many ways since her fall & subsequent move into nursing care. I don't remember her ever participating in art forms. I don't even know how she remembered my love of Birch trees. We had them in our front yard when I was growing up but not on the farm near that barn.

I've been considering all sorts of things about this painting of hers and quilting of mine. After talking with her about her painting classes and this piece in particular, I picked up a flat rate envelope, put postage and addresses on it and sent it to Brother asking him to send the painting to me. I did not want to take a chance that it would go elsewhere. It became extremely important for me to have it in my studio.

Easy Doesn't Mean Fast

I was pretty excited to find a unfinished quilt project in my closet that was cut and ready to piece. Yup. It was a UFO. Thing is, pieces had to be pinned before going to the machine. 

It was an easy project to understand, except for one thing. There are three uncut FQs. I ask myself why they are uncut, and why there is no note-to-self in the container about them. I pulled them out & used what was there. 

The quilt is made up of 4 different blocks cut from coordinating FQs. One block is uncut. The second block is a framed look. Then there is a block made of strips. Finally the fourth block is (16) 2.5" squares.  As the project  finishes, the strip block is trimmed to size; the framed block needs the long sides & trimming; and the 16-square block has two sets of two joined and is pinned to join them into rows of four squares. Also needs trimming for conformity.

Trimming is essential for conformity so when they are all pieced each block measures 8" square for the finished layout. I have no idea what kind of back or binding to do yet. First things first. The bin of batting is full, so I will draw from it and most likely will need to piece that as well. 

The lack of a note-to-self was an old habit. Back in the day, I trusted my memory. How long ago that was is not something I do remember. What I know now is that I MUST leave them if I leave the project no matter how long that might be.

Which brings me back to round 4 for the April BOM session of the Medallion quilt. Didn't look at it. Don't want to look at it. Don't even care about the missing note-to-self. It take a grad degree to know that I am stuck. There are four identical star blocks to be made in round 4 of this mystery quilt, and many more days in April to get it done.

Luckily, I have this comfort quilt project going right now to take my mind off it. Well, I am not kidding myself nor anyone. My mind is on it. 

And what's this thing about conformity? 

Another Comfort Quilt

First let me say that Round 4 of the Medallion quilt is difficult for me. I've started and failed two different times and put it away for now. I have the month of April to work on and finish this round. Not today.

Today I added the Block of the Day (BOD) to the Mood Quilt. Then I went outside and weeded 2 large buckets from the Secret Garden Path to the South of my home. 

There is something about me that likes, no loves, starting new things. Years ago, I made a commitment to finish projects and for the most part, I do that. Yet, here I have been, struggling with feeling physically, emotionally, mentally & spiritually okay this last month, needing to stay laying down to rest the pulled muscle for at least another week. I am chomping at the bit to do something. I am really whining.

Yesterday, when I went looking for Solid color FQ's for the next mystery quilt, I found a small storage container with cut fabric & a pattern that will work perfectly for a Comfort Quilt. I am on the way to getting it done.

I also found another Comfort Quilt kit I made that is cut, somewhat pieced and ready for the next step. One of the fabric cuts is misplaced which is why it went into storage. Now I need to either find the missing piece or pieces OR replace what is already in the pieced parts.

Any Monday

Mondays are often one of those transitional moments in time. And for me as well. I tend to give quilting a time out during the weekends, and then figure out what I am going to do the following days.

I took on two projects. The first one is sort of an environmentally sound idea. It uses house socks cut and then stitched together as a Door Snake. It needs some sort of filler which I may or may not do. The grippers have worn off some of these.

I leave the bedroom window open as long as it is not real cold. The pattern calls for eyes and a ribbon tongue. Honestly, that froo-froo stuff is not me. I like the stripey look to it and for now, it is fine without the filler. Maybe later, maybe in the Fall.
 

The next project was simply pulling out solid FQs or Fat Quarters. I joined another BOM mystery quilt-along that uses solids. I went through my stash and pulled out these 14, and need to do some shopping for another 10, plus the background to start.

Outhouses

I am really grateful to have finished this quilt months before it will be sent. There is at least one small inch of stitching that seemed to have come loose, so I will check it all but it is very much ready to ship for my Older Son's birthday.

It made me chuckle to think of the blues in it as water...water needed to move the stuff in the Outhouses. I hope he gets a chuckle from it too. This is the back. The entire quilt is made from scraps that were in my closet. I pulled strips that coordinated with the top and also used them as the stitching lines to keep them all equal-distant and in line.

The top was done with 4 sketches of Outhouses and then appliquéd on the center blocks. Border ideas came from another quilt-along I did. Personally, I think it was fun to do, quite unique, and really turned out great for him. He is a Plumber.

Finished Block

Not only did I finish the block, I finished the tutorial for it and submitted it to the admin so she could send it out for testing. It was nice to be ahead of the work. I actually like how it looks and may make a tote or a pillow for a gift at the end of the year.

It might be less trouble to make another block now that I know what I am doing and how to do it. I've trimmed this one down and could just put another piece over it and sew the edges for turning and stuffing a pillow into it. I think that there are so many male images during the holidays that having a female decoration like this one is a strong feminist statement.

I have a hard time when the holidays get closer. I am flooded with thoughts that I must have gifts and more gifts for people in my life. Usually it only hits me in the fall but suddenly, here I am in APRIL already planning ahead. I know that it would be a matter of purchasing pillows and deciding who would get one. I have 6 Nieces & Nephews who are close to me.

The hardest part of this block project was creating the tutorial, and then finding fabric that would work. I can make the outside of the pillow and then watch for pillow forms on sale. It's probably not too early to do this afterall.

Creating My Block

I volunteered to do a tutorial for the November Floral quilt. I wanted to make Ms. Santa. We are able to use the patterns or tutorials from other sites, and must have one piece of the block in a floral print and do our own take on the pattern.

I found two ideas for Santa, and tried to convert them to a female version, and then stumbled upon this more whimsical design:           

http://www.shinyhappyworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Mrs-Claus.pdf  

It really is perfect for what I was looking for. The author offers it as a free download but asks that each person using it download themselves rather than get a copy.

My next step was to select, measure and cut fabrics for the pieces. I added the measurements I took to my pattern, as the original used a smaller size background, and did not give the other measurements. It has to fit my project. I did use the same colors for mine more because of what I had in the closet than not having an artistic take on it.

All I need to do is actually make up the sample and finish my tutorial on it. I may make up another colorway just to see how it works, and can always make a holiday tote or pillow as a gift. The couple, Mr and Ms Claus, come from cultural myths or legends. They should be whimsical and help bring out our inner child.

So much depends upon the fabric one selects for any of these blocks. This particular block honors the person behind the primary legend. My guess is that more woman are gift-bringers in their families than are the men. 

This became a project for me after I was asked to test a different block for the group. I realized I had not done anything on mine, and so set about researching ideas and working on it.

Now that I am feeling better again, I plan to finish this one and return to other projects in process. It is quite interesting how feeling out of sorts puts creativity on a back burner. I did not feel like reading or watching videos, writing, gardening or quilting. I just seem to curl up in a fetal position, not knowing if I will live through it all. Rather than whine about it to anyone else, I just tuck myself in a ball and whine to myself. Well, whew. 

BOMs for April

It becomes confusing with all these BOMs I am doing. Confusing as to where to find them. Funny thing is, that the names of the groups are so similar and the admins don't post a link to the new block, so its searching. I've been writing my own notes on the pattern pages to try and keep them sorted.

I finished two blocks so far. 

This one is a test block for the Floral group and is called a Disappearing Hourglass. I had agreed to test blocks, and it just means making one up before it is issued for the group. I won't make another when it comes due. It was easy enough.

The next one is another Floral block and it is called a Floral Friendship Star. I actually bought the batik, the teal and the yellow yesterday. I had the dark purple to go with it. The Medallion quilt is the only one that uses the same fabrics for each round. These other blocks will compromise sampler quilts and will have lots of variety of fabrics and colors so scraps can be used in the projects.

It took awhile to load bobbins again. This is a task that takes up a bit of time and is essential. I also got outside in my garden and pulled up a bucket of weeds. The rest of the day is dedicated to sewing the binding on the Outhouses quilt. 

And today is my birthday. 

Mandarin Chinese

Don't know why the lines are whited. I tried fixing them and am going to lay down. Sorry

Just saw my Chinese Doctor, who used his hand-held computer with a translator to tell me what is going on with me. I learned more from him than I ever knew about my health in what seems forever. According to his observation and work on my back, I have a form of hypertension linked to a previous condition called cervical spondylosis, which also is an indicator for tinnitus, as well as for nerve issues in my stomach & neuropathy in my feet. Bones were fusing some years ago, so nothing is new except that its been really painful on my left leg. He recommended drinking a LOT of water right now after his PT & knowing that things will feel better in a couple of weeks.

I actually do feel better. The challenge for me is not over-doing things. Usually, I burn my candles at both ends. Hah!

Well, tomorrow is soon enough for me to get back to the quilting. I stopped to buy some floral fabrics so I could work on a few blocks for my various groups. I am going to put on a video and rest awhile. I do really feel good after the PT, and filled my water jug so I can drink.

I . He said to give it a couple of weeks.

Mood Quilt

Although I spent a couple of days resting, and then doing stretches, I was able to join blocks to finish the fourth row of the Mood Quilt. What I wish I had done with this quilt was to make a 3-color version of it for Energy-Productivity-No Energy. Maybe next year.

Anyway, this is where the BOD or Block of the Day quilt is right now up to March 31. I started April. I will keep joining blocks for each day in rows and wait to join two of them to the larger piece that is currently shown. I am delighted to use the box of charm (5") squares that I have collected since I first started quilting. The pattern it creates is less important to me than using what is here. I have been saving the HST cuts and will start using them soon so there are few leftovers. Selecting one that represents the same mood isn't going to happen. Moods change as do the color or fabric selections for it. And it doesn't really matter.

It is hard to determine a mood. I decided to do this project first each morning to keep it rather consistent. My moods change through out the day. This is the reason why I thought that creating a quilt based on my energy might be interesting.

The last few days were horrific in terms of how I felt physically and how that transferred to my emotional and mental status. I couldn't quilt. Heck, I had a hard time getting up and moving about, let alone eating. 

Comfort Quilt Finish

It was delightful to finish a comfort quilt for my Friend's Brother-in-Law. Generous of her to request one for her Brother's Partner. 

It has two sides to it and both are scrappy. One side is a Log Cabin pattern, laid out to show how life can be both light, full of pleasure & laughter, and the challenging part of it be more intense. In the center of each block is the hearth fire, here shown in orange squares, symbolizing, for me, an ever-glow.

The other side is the common & quite scrappy, random 9-patch. Often people like this sort of old style 'granny' look. I don't tend to lay it out to make it work and just trust that it will and it does. I put a brown binding on it for the frame that works on both sides.