A Little bit of this... And A Little bit of that.

This week seemed a bit crazy and busy and with plenty of variety.

There were more blocks made for the MS quilts...

 



 

I started the wedding dress for our oldest daughter... Re-designing two patterns to make the dress exactly what she wants is a challenge!  The bodice from one pattern and the skirt from another - I figured that was going to be the hard part - getting the two to go together without it looking odd.  Turns out that was the easy part!  The bodice alone from the one pattern (noted as an "easy" pattern) was the challenge.  I was ready to pull my hair out after a short time... My mom suggested we get an old sheet and cut out the parts we needed and try it that way.   Brilliant!  It took some patience but I finally got it.

 

 

I then played some with the embellishment that she wants on the dress that came off of my veil.

 

 

I really should have continued working on the dress, but since my daughter couldn't just stop in for a quick fitting before I actually cut from the satin, I pulled out my Cri-cut and cut the letters for a fun little alphabet quilt for a friend's first grandchild.

 

I had no opportunity to be bored this week!  A little bit of this... a little bit of that... just the way I like it.

And remember, if you are interested in other quilting blogs check out http://www.quilterblogs.com/

 





Never Forget...

A dear friend lost her daughter in 2011.  She had Multiple Sclerosis and she was only 38 years young... far too short of a life.  Tracy left behind her husband and four daughters as well as her parents, siblings and numerous loved ones. 

Another friend that I met through facebook introduced me to a project that she was taking on throughout the Lenten season - Quiltblocks for MS.  A few days later my dear friend sent a request to support her in her MS Walk fundraising.  I thought, "This is too perfect!" 

I knew immediately that I wanted to make a few blocks in support of Sandi's daughter, Tracy. The blocks that are collected will be assembled and quilted and then sold at silent auction events held at MS walks. Below are the first blocks that I made. 

I never met Tracy in person, but from the stories I have heard of her and from the picture that I was sent I can tell that she was a vibrant and fun person who cherished life and taught those that loved her to do the same.

A lesson that is valuable and I hope to pass it on to those around me. 

Tracy's mom, Sandi shared with me the following:

Tracy was married to her high school sweetheart and they have four daughters. Tracy always had a smile on her face and joy in her heart. When MS started to take hold of her life she would look to the positive.  Tracy was headstrong and determined, this I believe gave her the determination she needed in the last few years of her life.  She loved her family of origin and doted on her husband and girls. Tracy loved to talk, and talk and talk! She would get on the phone and we would talk for hours. Sometimes the phone would be passed around the room several times and Tracy still had more to share. 

The last few years Tracy was in a wheelchair, which did not stop her from participating in the MS walks. When her youngest was four or five Tracy pushed her and her sisters in her wheelchair. Later the youngest would be on her moms lap and the older girls would be pushing. 

MS did not stop Tracy from living her life while she was alive. It was that strong determination and her bullheadedness that pushed her onward. I have no doubt God gave her that very young so as life went on she could endure.

 

Her daughter Sabrina wrote this:

 

I cannot believe that it has been two years today that you have been gone mom! I miss your smile, your jokes, your laugh,.... Just you being here. I would absolutely do anything to hear your voice again, feel your touch again & just get to tell you that I love you. I hope you knew that we loved you more than anything. I am honestly so lost without you. Two years and it still doesnt seem real! I'm still lost. Still cant forget when you took your last breath. I never wanted to die so much in my life. I never thought I would cry so much and so hard. The pain it has given all of us is undescibable but if it werent for daddy we wouldbt be where we are today or be as strong or be able to handle all of this. I love you so much and hope you smile down on us when we look up at you  I love you momma.
Thanks to everyone who cares

Live. Laugh. Love... and Never forget.

A Pick Me Up...

I've been picked up!  Well, my blog has been... my blog will now be included in a listing of quilters blogs.

I am supposed to figure out how to link to them.  The "banner" and "blinkie" thing is not working in the way that it should... I have not the tolerance and patience required to research the problem right now.

So, check out www.quilterblogs.com if you are interested in following any other quilters.  I am told they will also have special offers from various quilters supplies for items such as notions, fabric and thread.



Blinkies?!? Who thinks of such terms?

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Seeing Red... in a new way.

Red has never really been my favorite color.  It is much too bright and loud for my personal taste.  However, there are those that absolutely L.O.V.E. the color red.

I started thinking about the meaning of the color and found this on-line (http://desktoppub.about.com/cs/colorselection/p/red.htm).

  Red is hot. It's a strong color that conjures up a range of seemingly conflicting emotions from passionate love to violence and warfare. Red is Cupid and the Devil.

A stimulant, red is the hottest of the warm colors. Studies show that red can have a physical effect, increasing the rate of respiration and raising blood pressure.

The expression seeing red indicates anger and may stem not only from the stimulus of the color but from the natural flush (redness) of the cheeks, a physical reaction to anger, increased blood pressure, or physical exertion.

It represents power, hence the red power tie for business people and the red carpet for celebrities and VIPs (very important people).

Flashing red lights denote danger or emergency. Stop signs and stop lights are red to get the drivers' attention and alert them to the dangers of the intersection.

In some cultures, red denotes purity, joy, and celebration. Red is the color of happiness and prosperity in China and may be used to attract good luck.

It is often the color worn by brides in the East while it is the color of mourning in South Africa. In Russia the Bolsheviks used a red flag when they overthrew the Tsar, thus red became associated with communism. Many national flags use red. The red Ruby is the traditional Fortieth Wedding Anniversary gift. 

Red stands out.  Red draws attention.  I am one who much prefers to be in the background or just fall in with the crowd.  Red has always meant "love" to me - likely because of the association with Valentine's Day. 

So, in an act of love, I am wanting to give this quilt a new home (rather than the bottom of my inventory bag).  A home where it would be loved and appreciated and used by someone who absolutely L.O.V.E.S. the color red.

 

Love can heal a broken heart or comfort someone hurting.  That is exactly what this quilt is... a healing quilt.  Are you a lover of red?  Do you need some healing?  Or do you know someone who could use a great big RED hug?  Leave a comment telling me why you love red or how you (or someone you know) could use some healing. 

 

Someone will receive this quilt that was made with love and blessed from above.

One For Honor

A few weeks ago I was contacted by a young woman who found me on fb through some friends and asked if I would be able/interested in making a quilt using a pair of pants that her brother had worn while serving in the Middle East.

He had been wounded in Afghanistan while serving in the Marines and recently, suddenly passed away.  The only thing she has from him is the pair of pants.

I sent her my price list but didn't hear back from her for several weeks.  Last week in one of the quilting groups that I follow on-line a fellow quilter shared about how she had made a quilt for the parents of a young baby whose life was far too short.  She encouraged others to step forward and do likewise.

I got in touch with the young lady again and explained that I wanted to make the quilt for her at a minimal cost so that I could honor the memory of a wounded warrior, say thank you for the sacrifices he made to protect our country and to give her a special keepsake to keep the memory of a life taken too soon alive.

Am I interested in making a quilt? Always! Am I interested in paying forward a kind act to another that offers no personal gain for myself? With a resounding "Yes!" I step forward.