Tuesday To Do's

Somehow another week has passed and it is time to set up my list of my quilty priorities...

Last week, my unofficial list - because I only linked up my previous week's accomplishments...

❧ I was asked for a few more masks - Colorado sports team themed.

❧ Finish a quilt that a friend started.

 I did not include a plan for the week, but my unofficial list included pulling fabric for a pattern test and to make more "sign" blocks for my Camping Journal Quilt...  neither were completed but there was a very, very good reason for it.

You see there was a young lady that recently graduated from the local high school.  We sent her a gift certificate for a memory quilt... she only needed to provide the shirts she wanted to be included.  She contacted me and delivered the shirts on Tuesday morning... at which time I learned that not only was she leaving for college in St. Louis, but that the entire family (Mom and two siblings) were moving to Missouri... in just 10 days!

Well!  I needed to get on it quick!

As I cut the blocks in prepping for the fusible interfacing I noticed that some of the shirts were much larger than Brenna's typical shirts... and then I saw it.  There was a shirt that belonged to her Dad, who worked on the local Sheriff's Department.  Sadly, he suffered a heart attack in 2016 while on duty and did not survive.  He was young... just 44 years old.  

I started paying attention to the other shirts...  I believe (I will confirm when the quilt is delivered) that there are shirts from both her brother and sister and Mom.  What a unique memory quilt!  One that encompasses not only her high school memories, but those that have been her support and right by her side as they all waded through the grief together.

I had one space that really needed another shirt... or something.  When I asked if she had one more shirt to be included she replied with a firm no.  I decided that I would scan her graduation announcement and include it...

It is the perfect touch!  As they move to a new home and new life, I wish them all the best!  

And as I move forward with this week I have several things that I would like to get done...

❧  Clean and oil machines - a MUST after finishing the last two quilts. :)

❧  Pull fabric for pattern test quilt

❧  Start piecing test quilt

❧  Piece and machine embroider sign blocks for my Postcard Camping Journal

Barring any urgent interruptions, I hope to get all of these done, but who knows.  Sometimes life just comes at us fast and we go with the flow.

I find that it is helpful to make lists and prioritize as I go... How about you?

What do you do when you are thrown a curve ball and your plans suddenly change?  

Leave a comment... I love to hear ideas and suggestions from my friends!

Quilt happy!

Melva

Melva Loves Scraps - Home of the Pieces From The Past Sew Along

that features vintage Kansas City Star quilt blocks!

Linking with:

What I Made Monday at Pretty Piney

Monday Making at Love Laugh Quilt

Design Wall Monday at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts

Colour & Inspiration at Clever Chameleon Quilting

To Do Tuesday at Home Sewn By Us

Mid-week Makers at Quilt Fabrication

Wednesday Wait Loss at The Inquiring Quilter

Throwback Thursday - Christmas in July

Hey everyone!  

Welcome to the first Throwback Thursday linky party!

And since it is July, let's go for "Christmas in July".  Feel free to link up any Christmas or winter themed photo or blog post that is more than one year old.

Here are two of my favorites...

This refurbished Christmas Tree Skirt has a sweet story with it...

Here is a fun gingerbread man mug rug tutorial

Now it is your turn... You can even link up social media posts like instagram or facebook.

Let's see what you have to share for a Throwback Christmas in July...  After you link up be sure to link back here or use #MLSThrowbackThursday

Quilt Happy!

Melva

The Legacy

When I received a message from a friend about making a quilt to honor/reflect the life of his Dad I was touched and felt privileged that he had faith in me to design and create such a work of art. 

As we discussed design options we went back and forth.  I would toss out ideas and options and he would counter with modifications or suggestions.  Our design conversations began in March... When we finally reached common ground in May I think we both shouted . LOL.

Chris composed a beautiful letter to his Godson/Nephew, Luke and his girlfriend, Syriena...

The journey of this quilt started roughly March 13th, 2020 at the beginning of the COVID 19 lock-down.  There were reports that many people would lose their jobs and there would be many people in need.  I knew I was in a job that was safe for the time being, so I began to think of how I could help other people.  

Melva Nolan is a quilter who is from La Junta and now lives outside of Trinidad. CO where her husband worked as a professor at Trinidad State Jr. College.  She had made a quilt for me to give as a wedding present to Dr. Katheryn B. many years ago.   When I was helping Katheryn move into her new house in Denver, I noticed she still had it and it might have graced her master bedroom set.

So at the beginning, I saw this as a project to help to an extremely talented, generous, kind and caring local artist who has deep connections with La Junta and Trinidad.  This was perfect, because it reminded me of your late Nana and your late Grandfather Galen R. Baker and how they lived their lives and what was important to them.

You can see that Melva created a priceless work of art that reflects the beauty of our family and the essence of the beauty of Colorado.  

At first, I wanted this to be a tribute to your grandfather, Galen R. Baker, his life, his journey and his gifts to our family, which to me, have never really been talked about, appreciated, explored or remembered.  

Then I reflected upon the seriousness of your relationship with Syriena.  You more than hinted of your intent to marry her.  Both of you were with Nana when she left us on earth.  Such was a great testament to your loyalty, your spiritual maturity and your responsibilities to face difficult and sad events in your life.  This is so important to the maturation on becoming a man.  

So I started to think of this quilt as a wedding present for you and Syriena.  As such, it would be a reminder to both of you of the significant linage you share with your Mother (Jane), Nana, your uncles, as well as the physical location of the Colorado Plains and the Colorado Mountains. 

This quilt took the better part of four months to be designed and stitched together by hand.  As Melva collaborated with me on its design, my deepest intent was to give you something to remind you of your family ties.  


There is a dance the Koshares do to remind the young warrior that no matter where he goes, there will always be the family ties that call him home and to remind him of how important his actions are to the family as a whole.  It is called the “Belt Dance”.  It was likely taught by Plains Indians (Comanche, I think) to a Pueblo Indian group who in turn, taught it to the Koshares.  The dancers weave in and out with each other, braiding their belts with each other and then unbraiding them.  In the end, dancing as paired with the same person each dancer started with.  And so the family belt reminds the warrior of the family tradition and of family commitment; so too, I hope this quilt reminds you and Syriena of the same.   

So, this is your quilt Luke and Syriena.  It was made by hand and there is no other on earth quite like it.  

Just as it was almost completed, I was talking to Uncle Mike about it.  Uncle Mike asked me if it had any turquoise in it to remind you of Nana’s favorite color.  I in turn asked Melva and she had anticipated this and had several places where turquoise was in it.  

She showed me pictures of the Ponderosa Pine branch and Pine cone, also another part of the quilt.  But, she said, she could frame this all with turquoise.  Considering the significant impact Mom had in our lives, I thought this most appropriate.   

Notice outside of the turquoise from is a deep dark brown.  Brown was your Great Grandfather's (Ruben V. Inge (Papa)) favorite color.  Inside of the turquoise border are alternating green triangles.  These are called ‘Flying Geese’ by quilters and they also remind us of a time when Papa hunted geese in the fall.  


Inside of the log cabins is a red box inside a square.  That is called a “Log Cabin” by quilters.  This is to remind us of home and family. 

There is a scene of a bear below a silhouette of Fishers Peak that is made on hand dyed cloth.  Fishers Peak is a prominent landmark  associated with Trinidad, Colorado.  This is where your Grandfather taught archaeology, sociology and anthropology before moving his family to La Junta and teaching the same at Otero Jr. College.  Trinidad is also where your Uncle Mike was born.   

Who could also forget the bears that sometime frequented our backyard and the one that stole a watermelon from our porch while Aunt Sally was sitting inside the sliding glass door, just feet away from the event?

Bear claws are in the square just to the left and above this picture.

The bison scene is made upon the fabric that Melva hand dyed from flowers and other items from nature.  You can see one of the imprints of one of the flowers in the upper right hand part of this picture.  To the left is the symbol that is found on the New Mexico Flag.  It was presented by a Native American from Zia Pueblo who was also the artist that painted the beautiful murals inside the Round Room of the Kiva in La Junta.

Of course, the buffalo symbolizes the Plains of Colorado, the Plains Indians of Colorado, and Colorado University where your Grandfather got his Master’s Degree, Nana got her RN and I (by extension from UCCS) got my Master’s Degree.  But most importantly, it also symbolizes the die-hard CU football fans that your Uncle Mike, John and Stephen are.

The whole of this complicated and intricate design represents your Uncle Richard’s mind.  Detailed, meaningful and (like your Uncle Dave), deeply symbolic.

I hope you enjoy this piece of artwork, that has in it the spirit of our family journey.  May it help you remember your past, your ancestors and where you come from.  Most importantly, I hope it symbolizes the strength of character you have developed and will need to be a good father, husband and family leader.

With Love,

Uncle Chris

When I met Chris to deliver the quilt he asked me to explain the block choices and the meanings behind them...  He did a great job remembering the details... so much so, I didn't even feel the need to expand or correct for this post. 

This quilt was a privilege to create... a one-of-a-kind piece of art and I admitted to Chris that I was a little sad to see it leave.  But reading his letter to his Nephew and Niece-to-be I feel happy that I was able to create such a special gift and know that it is deeply appreciated.

What sort of blocks would you use in a a quilt to tell your family's story?

Leave a comment... I'd love to hear from you!

Quilt Happy!

Melva

Melva Loves Scraps - Home of the Pieces From The Past Sew Along

that features vintage Kansas City Star quilt blocks!

Linking with:

Can I Get A Whoop Whoop at Confessions of a Fabric Addict
Off The Wall Friday with Nina Marie
Brag About Your Beauties at From Bolt to Beauty
Peacock Party at Wendy’s Quilts and More
Friday Foto Fun at Powered by Quilting
Finished or Not Friday at Alycia Quilts
Scrap Happy Saturday at Super Scrappy

UFO Busting at Tish’s Wonderland

Oh Scrap! at Quilting is More Fun Than Housework

Sunday Stash at QuiltPaintCreate

Patchwork & Quilts at The Quilting Patch

New Week, New Tuesday To Do

Last week was a whirlwind!  Did anyone else experience the same???  It was as if I blinked and a new week started... yet with all that took place last week, it was as if time stood still.

There were memories made, conversations over breakfasts, late night chats, fellowship with some of the bestest of friends, pedicures, snuggles with grand-daughters, giggles and squeals of laughter, legos, video games and Barbies, worship and stories about Jesus, water fights, desserts, hot days that didn't ever want to cool off.

I finished the commissioned quilt on Monday and sewed a label on it before washing it and then made a quick adjustment to my plans to be able to deliver it in person.  And I am SO glad that my customer and I were able to fit it into our schedules.  I didn't even have time to be able to write up a post about meeting the previous week's goals!  BUT they were crushed like a boss. 😃

I was ready to join some girlfriends for a fun mid-week time together.  The husband of the hostess of the get together had an Alaskan fishing trip planned.  Sadly, because of CV-19, it was cancelled.  However, he was gracious enough to make plans to stay with his brother who lived just across town.  What a guy!  They recently celebrated their 24th wedding anniversary and I think she should keep him around for awhile longer. 

Three of us met up for lunch and a fourth friend that lives locally joined us for dinner.  I was elected head cook given my dietary restrictions, and I was totally comfortable with the role. 

Appointments were made for the next day to have pedicures done, followed by lunch.  The options were then to either visit the Royal Gorge or enjoy some wine at the local winery, The Abbey.  It was way too hot (100 degrees+) to be walking across the Gorge bridge so the winery won out.  We had really wanted to do a wine tasting, but we didn't have reservations, so we pulled up an outdoor table in the shade and visited for an hour.

Late that afternoon we were notified that we were on stand-by for emergency evacuation because of a wildfire.  A bit scary, but we heard helicopters and planes flying over the house for several hours and there was no need to evacuate.  Whew!

We enjoyed the company of the local friend for the evening again and another dear one made a short drive and made the trek for dinner and the evening as well.  There was chatter among us as we all caught up and learned details of each others lives since we last saw each other.  For some of us it had been several years.

These special ladies enrich my life and rejoining them, even if for an hour or two, it is as if we were never apart.  Some of them I have known for nearly 20 years.  We met through a unique Christian weekend and I think that is what makes the bond so strong... we have all been there for each other when difficult times in life have thrown challenges in our paths - challenges like losing a job, facing cancer or other serious health issues and children who make poor decisions - challenges that could easily trip us up, but walking the path with friends along our side, even when the next step seems impossible, is how we have survived.

After another late night of laughter, a few tears and lots of conversation I called it a night.  Thursday was delivery day of the commissioned quilt - I have now named the quilt "The Legacy".  A post is in process to be able to share details and the story... stay tuned!

The remainder of the week was spent with grand-children.  A blessed time for sure!  After returning them home on Sunday evening we were wiped out.  It is time to catch up with some laundry and housework and then I'll get to my studio.

What are my plans for my Tuesday Two?

❧ I have been asked to finish a quilt that a friend started.  This is her first quilt ever!  She was moving along quite well and then she ended up with the needle in her finger.  OUCH!

She said they had to cut her finger open to get the needle out of it!  And now she is afraid... It's a shame because she had something great going on!  

You can see in the dark pink block where the "scene of the accident" occurred.  

Her stippling is much tighter than I tend to do, so the challenge for me will be trying to match her density of stitches.  Wish me luck!

❧ I was asked for a few more masks - Colorado sports team themed.


As the temperatures have risen to some uncomfortable levels I have been wondering if it is the winter or summer season that is my least favorite.  I don't like the extreme temps... this I have always known, but I am thinking that summer is my least favorite... In the winter I can always add more layers... in the summer... well, it wouldn't be a pretty sight!  LOL!

What is your favorite season?

What do you do to stay cool?

Leave a comment!  I love to hear from all of you.

Quilt Happy!

Melva

Melva Loves Scraps - Home of the Pieces From The Past Sew Along

that features vintage Kansas City Star quilt blocks!

Linking with:

Colour & Inspiration at Clever Chameleon Quilting
To Do Tuesday at Home Sewn By Us

Mid-week Makers at Quilt Fabrication
Wednesday Wait Loss at The Inquiring Quilter
Put Your Foot Down at For the Love of Geese
Needle & Thread Thursday at My Quilt Infatuation

Creative Compulsions at Bijou Bead Boutique

Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness

As we celebrate our Nation's  Independence Day  I am wondering about life, liberty and pursuit of happiness...

Life... the life of the current age is so very different from when I was a child.  An age when accepting, admitting your responsibility for choices made and dealing with the consequences that came with said choices.

Make good choices... get good, may even great, results.  Make poor choices, pay the price of the consequence.

In the pursuit of happiness I have recently made the decision to remove facebook from my tablet.  Too much time spent with the time suck and increased agitation and frustration with reading conflicting opinions and stories.  I can surely find a better way to spend my time and being more efficient!  (I have pulled out some quilting magazines and peruse them while I make breakfast or dinner.  I have found several inspiring ideas for some small projects in the very near future.)  Have you ever unplugged from social media?  Has it been a "forever thing" or just a temporary fast?

With the Fourth of July rapidly approaching I was asked by my Uncle for a Red/White/Blue mug rug.

So I kindly obliged...  This little improv project was quick to make and finished at 5" x 7"... all from my scrap bin with no concern over precise measurements or need for much accuracy. 

As I pieced this mug rug (I also refer to them as hand-sewn hellos) as a break from quilting the borders of the king-sized commissioned quilt, I considered my life... my life as a US Citizen with the privilege of voting and opportunities for freedom of speech and religion, along with the right to bear arms... for all the men and women (my own Dad included) that have served in the US Military to protect and defend not only our Land, but all the rights that we seem to take for granted.

May I never forget the hardships of my Grandparents as arrived in the US as immigrants... May I never forget that, as it states on our US currency, In God We (I) Trust... 

Recently, while on social media on the desktop computer, I saw a statement...

On March 17th we are all Irish...  On May 5th we are all Mexican...  How about on July 4th we all act like Americans.  A profound statement! 

America - the melting pot of the world... where people of all nationalities come to have an opportunity for a better life than the life they were living in another country.  

Are you proud to be an American?  I am.  If you have a few minutes, take a listen... you may have seen this before - it is a several years old, but it worth listening to... and it is Robin Williams!  He is always good for a laugh or two.

Have a safe weekend!  And don't forget the responsibility that comes with being a US citizen.

Piece Out,

Melva

Melva Loves Scraps - Home of the Pieces From The Past Sew Along

that features vintage Kansas City Star quilt blocks! 

Linking with:

Put Your Foot Down at For the Love of Geese

Needle & Thread Thursday at My Quilt Infatuation

Creative Compulsions at Bijou Bead Boutique

Can I Get A Whoop Whoop at Confessions of a Fabric Addict

Off The Wall Friday with Nina Marie

Brag About Your Beauties at From Bolt to Beauty

Peacock Party at Wendy’s Quilts and More

Friday Foto Fun at Powered by Quilting

Finished or Not Friday at Alycia Quilts

Scrap Happy Saturday at Super Scrappy