Slow Progress

Slow progress in lots of things -- including blog posts about quilting. I am making a new pattern to put on Etsy page, so that is taking time and now about 1/8 done the piecing for the sample top necessary to sell the pattern. It is giving me joy but sorry, can't take photos until it is finished. 

As for other things, was involved in a quilt challenge where "clues" come every month and it also is avoiding a camera until it is finished because it is a competition piece. Fun, but so crazy that it will be a hoot to see what everyone else is doing.

In the meantime, ideas and squirrels keep running through my head but the days are not long enough! I did have a rough time of grief regarding my grand nephew, not so much for him as he is with Jesus and how can I grieve that! But for the family and others. Also, some of my family had Covid, not serious, but still robbing energy. My hubby came down with a mild case of Shingles just after Christmas. He had the vaccination a couple years ago which helped, and he never complains, but I still feel some stress for him. 

Then there is all the negative news, both in USA and other parts of the world. Some days I've felt like staying home, turning off the TV and reading happy-ending fiction! But am thankful for the joy of the Lord that does not depend on circumstances. He keeps reminding me that He is in charge and all this is not a surprise or out of His sovereign power.

That all said, quilts are in the head and heart and will be on these pages before too much longer.

blessings to everyone!

Progress

This one is slow... no, it is me that is slow. I have a baby quilt on the longarm and a smaller version of this one done to the sandwich stage. This is my 'procrastination' zone. 

Pressing on... no pun intended. The sashing is on one side of the top blocks only since they may need rearranging. 

Did get the studio cleaned up and moved a few things around. It is easier to work in now, if I felt like working.

News...

The binding is on Scott's king-size quilt. Another lap quilt is being bound. I'm not certain about getting anything done for a few days though because September 27 is pacemaker day. 

I've felt rather slow, not too ambitious for the last couple of months and am taking it easy. The pacemaker offers hope for change, but it will not be hooked up for a few weeks after being put in. The reason is that the offending electrical impulses in my heart are in the two upper chambers meaning that they must be zapped to put them out of commission so the lower chambers and the pacemaker can take over. This zapping (ablation) cannot be done until the pacemaker is in and healed, likely in the first part of November. Both procedures are done without anesthetic, just local freezing. 

I've a few tops ready to quilt and can run my longarm using a panto without too much stress. And sewing on binding is a lovely way to pass the time! 

Slow Going

Cobblestone Lane (or whatever I wind up naming it) is going slow, mainly because those blocks have no 'one size fits all' quilting design. Each one is a puzzle and my experience is not extensive on this sort of quilt. However, it it happening... slooowly! I'm into the second row of blocks so have done about one third.

My side table has a pile of fabric to make a BOM, the one from The Quilt Show designed by Sue Garman. It is a medallion that could be any size, depending on when you stop adding rounds. I like her design, colors, except the red borders that too me are too much contrast. After much thought, I decided to give it a go with softer colors in taupe with some yellowish and greenish tossed in. The entire thing is paper-pieced, which is one of my favorite techniques and one reason for the decision to make it. The other is that Sue Garman passed away a few weeks ago. I have never met her, but for some reason shed some tears and wanted to do this because of her.

On the back burner collecting fabric and courage

• King-size for son Scott, who wanted a beach scene landscape. I drew the scene, had it enlarged full size (cost about $50) and am staring at it in fear and trepidation.
• King-size for daughter Karen, who wanted a minimalist 'subway tile' look in using dark to light shades of taupe. I have 1-2 more fabrics to find, a dark and a light.
• Several baby quilt panels to make for Basically Babies
• And prep for Quilts of Valour sewing bee near the end of this month... which I'm hosting and our Canadian past-president is working with me. We did this in Nov/2015 and had a wonderful time. Even presented a quilt to a PTSD soldier and his buddy who stayed most of the day and help the volunteers cut out fabric. 
• And about a dozen project boxes with patterns/fabrics ready to go
• And about three dozen 'I'd like to' patterns, some with fabrics or in kits

Now I need to make supper... that list makes me feel a bit weak...

Progress Report

The past two months have been a challenge, but quilting is good therapy. So are naps and this is why this quilt is taking so long. However, now that the blocks are done and all the other parts are cut and labeled, it is going together -- at last. 

The corner and first block are sewn together. The sashing and next row of blocks are just pinned to the design wall. I'm usually into artsy rather than making a zillion pieces, but this was fun and I'm loving the way it looks so far. 

I made an enlarged photocopy and have been sketching quilting motifs and ideas, so when the time comes to get stitching, there will be some options to select.

Btw, I'm feeling okay, have lost the few pounds that were mostly water, and my heart is beating normally. Yet I'm aware that each day is a gift, so taking life (thankfully) one day at a time.

Nearly Done...

The Lord of the Rings quilt is getting its binding. I made a cute little foundation paper-pieced hen with chick. I also have my eye on a modern design with pieces and fabric on the design wall. However, I've two weeks left in my Master's degree (sweat, perspire, headaches, sore back, whine, whine) then graduation May 15. So, after cleaning up those places in my house that I've tried to hide for the last couple of years, I am going to quilt!

Photos later. I'm busy...

Still alive, not much quilting

Dropping in to say I'm still here, but not doing much quilting. This is on the longarm but I've not touched it for at least two weeks. Lots of ideas, but the courses I'm taking fill every minute. Good stuff (Masters in Theology) but when I do have a minute, I want to rest my brain and body and just veg. 

I do take time to read most of the blogs that I follow and am excited as usual over the creativity displayed! PBPWMGIFY!