Sunday, May 11, 2025

Mother's Day & Rambles - Sew & Tell ~ May 12, 2025

Last week I dove off into a pity pool created by my tears and emotions... Sorry!  I'll share why... hopefully just a short synopsis.

The heart of the idea of Mother's Day is sweet, but it has never been a favorite of Hallmark holidays for me.  When the girls were young and Dave worked weekends, the Mother's Day weekend drug on... and on... and on.  Sundays tended to be rough days for me at home anyway... and then throw into the mix a day when (it seemed) ALL the other Moms were being showered with love and affection (by children AND husbands).  And there I was alone with two (demon-like) toddlers that just viewed it as another day.

Never did I get breakfast in bed... even when they were old enough to do so.  Sure, I got the gifts that were made in school and a few years I got flowers.  And I cannot forget the time when they were teens (one in college/one in HS) and had a custom ring made for me from some orphan earrings.  Best gift from them, EVER! (even though I had to then cover an overdrawn account or two🙈)  And I received a beautiful necklace from our youngest and her new husband the year they were married.  


But I have to be honest that there have been more bad Mother's Days than happy/pleasant ones.  
I have never been after grand gifts from any of them... just a little special "hey!  Thanks!"  

I could go on but... 'nuf said! I can't turn my attitude around if I stay in the pit.

So... this year I decided I would not wait on any special gift or recognition from any of them and did a little retail therapy for myself.  I follow Jen at The Dizzy Quilter and saw that she had an unusual "thimble"... a fidget ring actually.  After doing all of the hand quilting on the teal quilt (and knowing I have the red quilt waiting in the wings), I decided that I wanted to give such a thing a try. 

I guessed at the size.  Knowing it needed to be smaller than my regular ring size I finally settled on one of the smallest I could find available- size 5.  It was delivered Friday... the same day as the latest Elm Creek Quilts book that I won through a giveaway on Instagram arrived.  **happy dance** for happy mail!

While I was shopping, I sent off a little Mother's Day gift for our youngest daughter... the one that has struggled with infertility.  She is a mom... her babies are simply in heaven. 👼👼👼👼👼👼

After finishing my scrappy green/tropical print table topper I was bored with the greens... I pulled out the applique project I started last July and decided that I would finish it as a gift for my Mom.  Ta-da!


With that complete, I fiddled with more green scraps for my RSC hexagon project as well as the "Fractured Emeralds" quilt.  I've put a good dent in the green scrap bin and have even had to pull a few small pieces that really belonged in the bin but were still in the stash.  This gem is ready for borders and then quilting. 💚



Moving on to the Sew & Tell feature of the week... Margo at MY Quilts & Crafts shared an interesting improv piece using denim... here's what she had to say about it.

Working with denim materials is limited in some way.  I'm thankful for my sister-in-law for giving me her old jean pants in many different colors but I limited myself to a few.  I’m using different parts of the pants such as the edge of the pocket and even the ends of the legs.
 
Head over to her blog to learn about the process she is using.

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms -- wannabe moms, birth moms, stepmoms, bonus moms, adoptive moms, mentor moms and spiritual moms. And especially to friends for whom this holiday will be hard. Friends who will be standing by gravesites this Mother’s Day. Friends whose moms haven’t been a part of their lives in many years. And those who have challenging relationships with their moms, who try to navigate Mother’s Day with grace but some necessary distance... Have a blessed day! 

I think Mother's Day is nearly as difficult for some as Valentines Day is for singles... If you are not a fan of MD... You are not alone... and I am praying for you!

I hope you join the party... as well as visit a few others that are participating and make friends!  

Keep Piecing,

Melva

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Thursday, May 8, 2025

Still Waters and Fractured Emeralds

I've been an emotional mess lately... I've put on a pretty good game face, and I am grateful that I have been able to process my thoughts through quilting. 


As I dove into the green scrap bin I found solace and healing.  Sometimes you need to take time to break down the emotions and the source of them.  Hurt, disappointment, anger, frustration, fear.

Twelve years ago I found healing in two other green quilts... You can read about them here & here.

I have realized that on top of the death of our brother-in-law, I've been grieving the death of dreams for our daughters.  We have had the realization and necessity of separation from our oldest (and the grandchildren) because of her toxic husband.  This became increasingly noticeable as Easter came and went and there was no family time.  And then the birthday of the 4-year-old granddaughter...

I feel that the only thing any parent wants for their children (aside from a personal relationship with the Lord) is for them to have healthy marriage/relationship in which they can thrive - together - through life... where the relationship is equal and loving... where they care for each other and want the best in life for each other.

Our youngest daughter has a gem of a husband, and we are sooooooooooo thankful!  Though the death of a dream for her looms ahead.  She and her husband have struggled with infertility for several years.  They were so excited last August... as were we! when they learned that she was pregnant.  Only to be deeply disappointed and crushed a week or so later when she miscarried.  That baby's due date would have been April 17th... just a day before my 60th birthday.  It may be a little selfish, but I looked forward to celebrating the birth as I held a new grandbaby in my arms.  Our daughter has plans to discuss a permanent plan for "birth control" in a few months.  She and her husband are at peace with their decision... I wish I could say "so am I".  :-\


I was drawn back to Psalm 23 as I made the table topper and a song by Leanna Crawford - Still Waters.  I could easily have this song on repeat... I hear it in my sleep and dreams as well as throughout the day as I do laundry, spend time in the kitchen and as I added the various scraps together to make this project...  the border is a print that features sheep!

Lord I believe You can set me at ease 
Turn this broken piece in me to peace and quiet 
I know there’s power in Your word 
So I’ll say it over and over til my soul’s reminded 

Oh The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want
He leads me by still waters ‘til my fears are gone
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
O I know You are with me 
My Father, my friend 
Your goodness and mercy will follow me all of my days 
I know by Your still waters I’m safe  


As I arranged the green string-pieced blocks on my design wall I thought that it looked fractured... a bit like our hopes and dreams for our children.

A bit like our family...

I am choosing to call this one "Fractured Emeralds"...

And remind myself that God can bring beauty from fractured lives!  I will TRUST Him to work all things together for the Glory of God.

The word trust has been my focus word for the year... I am certainly being reminded, nearly daily, that I need to lean on Him.

Ok, enough of my rambling... if you made it this far, THANK YOU.  Please remember our family in prayer as we navigate this challenging season in life.

It is always helpful when facing difficult times to look outward and see where one can help others.  Do you have a prayer request?  Leave a comment... or, if you're not comfortable making a comment here you can send me an email.

MelvaLovesScraps@NolanQualityCustoms.com

I'll be in my studio listening to Leanna Crawford and following her Aunt Maureen's advice.  ;)

Keep Piecing,

Melva

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Sunday, May 4, 2025

May First Finish ~ Sew & Tell - 5/5/25


My plan was to wait for another road trip to finish the hand-quilting on the scrappy teal quilt... It really was.


I tried to switch gears by putting away the red scrap bin.  I gathered my assorted green scraps and started in with string-pieced blocks.  I got 11 sewn and started to formulate some sort of plan to use them.  I tried pairing them with the tropical Hawaiian print blocks that are 21 years old.  The stack of them is getting smaller each month.  Green is a great color to go with them... however, not string-pieced blocks.

I turned to making green Korner Kabin blocks...  I am pleased with these and have added them to my growing RSC 2025 stack.

I left my studio feeling a little defeated on Thursday evening.  Friday was a struggle.  I realized part of my problem was that I had multiple projects going... the teal quilt needed to be finished, the red quilt is "the lady in waiting" AND I started in on green.  It was an overload for my little brain!  So... I cleaned house. ;)

Friday afternoon I turned on Wind at My Back, picked up my needle and thread and started quilting the teal quilt.  My mind was back at peace.  I was able to complete the quilting of the hanging diamonds Saturday morning.  I sewed the binding on the back of the quilt and finished it with big stitches of variegated embroidery thread (3 strands). 


Ahhhhh... BIG sigh of relief.  
I loved the way the shadows of our blinds played with the quilting and could not resist a few glamor shots. 💖

I am truly ready to start back with the green scraps.  I will continue making the string blocks (as I did with the blues in March), but only after I fulfill my plan of using the "adult" tropical blocks.  I had a dream that showed me what to do.  


Now... back to the Sew & Tell feature!  This week LeeAnna at Not Afraid of Color shared a project that caught my attention.  Here's what she said...

I love a hexie shape and doing EPP hexies. I saw a spiral set hexie block online (can't find it now) that intrigued me for rainbow scrap challenge. This one is all together, so I'll catch up with the colors from last few months and then figure out how to put them in one quilt top. (of course it's done by hand)

Well done!  It is now time to get the party started.  It feels good to be back to routine and have time to not only visit all of the links shared, but to communicate with each of you.  I've missed you!

Keep Piecing,

Melva

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m


Wednesday, April 30, 2025

April Wrap Up

There is nothing to bring you to reality and the truth of one's mortality than losing a loved one.  Life... it comes with loss and every single one of us has an "expiration date."  The Bible states that the number of our days has been planned for us... even BEFORE our birth.  

As (Dave and) I consider the future (since the passing of our brother-in-law at just 71 years old) I find myself wanting to make the most of life and assessing relationships and priorities.  

BUT... In reality... we need to find the delicate balance between living life and working to be able to "afford" said life.  Twelve years ago, when Dave suddenly found himself to be on administrative leave, we (with the prompting and guidance of the Holy Spirit) made the decision to start Nolan Quality Customs.  God's provision has ALWAYS been enough, and we continue to trust in His provision.  But until we reach a certain age so that we can supplement our earnings and help make that delicate balance of "living life" a little less precarious, we will continue our endeavors to continue with our philosophy...

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord ~ Colossians 3:23

With all of the travels we have had during the month of April ~ 23/30 ~we are definitely ready to stay home!  I am here and ready to share the progress of the projects I enjoyed along the way...

My RSC hexagon project has grown with two colors... thanks to my misunderstanding ;)  I transitioned the blues into the reds with a few R/W/B fabrics.  I wonder what the color of May will be... any guesses?




I added 8 scrappy Korner Kabin blocks to the stack I am accumulating.  

  


Korner Kabin Blocks in the actual RSC color


The scrappy teal quilt is nearly quilted... thanks to 3 days of driving dedicated to this project.


The scrappy red quilt is marked and ready to go... but will be saved for another time.

For now... I'll summarize our 2-week journey to the Gulf of America. ;) Before I forget everything we did... LOL!  WARNING!  Long post ahead... I won't be offended if you skip it. =D Haha...

Day 1 was spent getting to Carlsbad KOA near Carlsbad, NM.  The drive through Roswell was entertaining to us with aliens all over.  We enjoyed deconstructed nachos for dinner. ;)  Not a typical meal for camping... but still good.
Do you ever feel like you're being watched?

We had a light, misty rain the next morning but we were prepared with our rain gear and headed to the Sitting Bull Falls.  Because of the rain, there were very few people present.  There was a short trail that led to an overlook of the falls/creek that were fed with an underground spring.

We didn't let a little rain stop us...

It didn't take Dave long to find his way to the creek to climb around and explore.  Of course, I could not let him be the only one to explore.  With the hood of the raincoat on my scope of vision was a bit obscured and I walked into a branch of a downed tree.  OUCH!  I saw stars... wowzer!  The rocks were a little slick, but I was being extra cautious at that point.  When we finished our exploration there, we headed to town.  By the time we got into town the clouds and rain had dissipated, and we enjoyed a lovely lunch on the patio at the Yellow BRIX.


Following lunch, we enjoyed a walk along the riverwalk and then returned to our campsite.  It was a relaxing afternoon as I enjoyed an iced coffee and read an AQS Publishing book, the first of the East Perry County series - The Forgiving Quilt, followed by a short bike ride.  

After having a large lunch, Dave suggested soup for dinner... another atypical dinner while camping.  The temps had dropped, and the wind had increased, so it was a good option... and turned out delicious!  Don't ask for a recipe... I just made it up by cooking diced chicken in some water and added some veggies, a small amount of rice and seasoning.

Following dinner, we chose a puzzle from the game room.  It was only 300 pieces, and we were able to complete the puzzle in the few hours before turning in for the night.  

Rock of Ages
Day 3 was rainy again... this time a little more than the light, misty rain we had the day before.  We also discovered we had had a leak in the camper roof.  Ugh!  We left a few pans to catch the drips and went to the Caverns.  Having been to the Meramac Caverns in Missouri last fall, we were amazed at how vast and expansive Carlsbad was.  It continued to rain overnight, and we continued to mop up the leaking roof.













We awakened on Day 4 to a rain/snow mix.  Our exit from Carlsbad to Fredericksburg, TX was welcome, though it took driving most of the day before we drove out of the rain.  The storm drainage system in Carlsbad is insufficient and the streets were flooded.  When we finally reached Fredericksburg, we located the quaint and remote RV park for which we had made reservations.  The host was a kind guy (and his golden retriever, Max was awesome) and they offered access to a free laundry facility.  We were able to launder a few items... including the towels and rags we had used to mop up the puddles from the leak.  (You see, when driving the dripping from the leak travels around a bit.  Oy!)

I did not have the energy or desire to make dinner... We found restaurant that offered German-style food AND had menu items that were acceptable for me.  While the meal I had was not from their German-style options, the redfish with green beans and mashed potatoes was tasty.  After dinner we stopped in at the Fredericksburg Brewery for Dave to enjoy a beer.  

Day 6 was cool but sunny.  We wandered the many stores that line Main Street and again had lunch out.  This time at Burger Burger.  It was a place that we had heard raves about... We thought it was "meh."  Absolutely nothing special about it.  We located one shop that offered both beer and wine flights for tasting.  After a short drive around the outskirts of town (and a quick stop at a thrift shop to look for a few puzzles) we returned to camp where we enjoyed our first sunset of the trip.
Quilt located in the welcome center




Day 7 was filled with a visit to the Lyndon B. Johnson Parks and a picnic lunch at the LBJ Ranch.  Dave insisted that we visit Luckenbach, Texas... Population 3!  LOL.  As we returned to town we stopped into another winery (for me) and then a distillery (for Dave) for tastings.  We wrapped up the day with a stop at the Pioneer Museum.  It was a wonderful museum and we were not disappointed.  We finished up the day with another sunset and a visit from Max the golden retriever as I prepped teal fabric for a few hand-stitched 4-patch unit and Dave did laundry.


It was on Day 8 that we finally reached our ultimate destination of the Bolivar Peninsula and Crystal Beach.  While making a quick stop at a grocery store for a few things we discovered that a window in the upper sleeping area had cracked.  We had a problem with that same window last year on our way to Arizona in high winds, though this time it was worse since it broke.  We taped it up and settled on the beach with entertainment from a group of parasailers (those kite things with a motor that people strap onto their backs).  The group of them sounded like a bunch of bees.  They were entertaining to watch, but the noise became annoying so the next day we moved about a mile down the beach to get away from them.

We had a great expanse of room around us, and we enjoyed it for 4 days!  

Our first morning on the beach brought the news of Ron's passing.  We enjoyed a bike ride and then a drive on the beach.  The wind increased steadily throughout the day and chased me into the camper mid-afternoon.  Dave followed and suggested a puzzle...
one piece missing...


Frequently, Dave will opt to sleep through the sunrise, but he was quick to rise this time.  He savored the time sitting outside, coffee in hand and in his pjs. ;)  We had no neighbors on the beach... so why not?!

We discovered a coconut in and amongst some of the beach debris.  We drilled it and cracked it.  It was stinky and gross.  We spied several others, but them right where they were.  


During our sunset walk on Day 9 we saw several lines left in the inlet creek.  Dave being the curious guy that he is pulled it out.  We discovered that there was a hermit crab that came out with the plants that were stuck on the line.  He made tracks back into the water quickly.  I loved the pattern he left behind.  In fact, I found lots of quilty inspiration and noticed many interesting patterns in nature.

We enjoyed a seafood trio pizza for dinner.  It had an alfredo sauce, shrimp, scallops and crab.  There were no leftovers.

After the sunrise the next day we decided it would be a good day to take the ferry to Galveston Island.  Lunch at the Fisherman's Wharf was the first item on the agenda.  They have a fabulous seafood salad that I get each time we go there.  YUM!  I am much more relaxed about following my dietary restrictions when at a lower altitude.  (It is an interesting thing I have learned about my body and the inflammation I experience when I veer beyond my typical limitations at home.  I can't explain it... but I am much more comfortable dining out when at lower elevations.)

After lunch, I enjoyed the Ship to Shore experience.  It was an interactive tour that gave a peek into the journey that immigrants (like my grandparents Philip & Katherine Schleich) would have experienced.  Dave was less impressed with it than I was.  I thought it was fascinating and could have spent at least another hour there.  

We wandered Pier 21
and the boats and boat slips that were there. 
A family of seagulls posed for a picture. ;)
We spied several dolphins as we returned to Bolivar via the ferry.

It was another lovely sunset and to the east we spied the full moon ascent.  We closed our eyes for the last time on the beach as planned to move inland just a bit so that we could prepare for our return north.  

We did enjoy one last sunrise on the beach, another bike ride and an expedition to the north jetty.  We learned some interesting facts from those fishing from the jetty.  I wanted to open a few oysters to look for a pearl but thought better of it... though we did mess with a few oysters.

We gleaned through our beach finds of interesting items before making the move inland... a blue crab shell, sea beans, a few interesting shells and pieces of driftwood.  

We cleaned the interior and exterior of the camper and then dined out one last time at a place that came highly recommended by friends - Tia Juanita's Fish Camp.

Day 12 was a day of driving from Bolivar to Seymour, Texas.  We spent two days with our friends at the Lazy J Goat Farm.  Dave helped Jack with some work that he was doing, and I helped Jamie get her mom's sewing machine set up.  It's an older Singer and was quite clean, though a little dry.  I tested it out with the Teal Korner Kabin blocks and the 9-patch blocks for the scrappy teal quilt.

We were home just 1 week before we made the 1,200-mile drive to Chicagoland for Ron's memorial service.  I shared details of the first leg of our trip on Sunday/Monday's Sew & Tell party... here.


Saturday was the celebration of life for Ron... Sunday
was going to be another "family" day, but not until after we visited the Dunn Museum in Libertyville.  They had an exhibit of Threads of Time - Quilts and Textiles.  It was an interesting exhibit.  In addition to this exhibit, there were rooms and exhibits that told of the history of Lake County.  The quilts and the stories of those that made them were interesting.  It was child friendly and had a felt design wall with felt shapes that visitors could design quilt blocks and "I Spy" cards for the kids to try to locate and identify the various pictures on them.

We felt it interesting enough that we walked through all of the exhibits a second time.  



And then... it was family time!  The Nolan clan can be a loud, wild and crazy bunch, but when everyone comes together to love and support each other, whether a joyous celebration or a more somber event, they love fiercely. 

It isn't often that all 8 of the siblings are in one place at the same time... but this one was.

Just as elephants circle up to help or protect an injured or at-risk member of the herd, or the wagons of days past circling up at the end of the day, the Nolan family will circle up.  I am happy and content to say that I am a part of this family... they have supported us in some difficult times as well as some joyous and celebratory events... and I don't foresee that that will change anytime soon. 

I'll call that a wrap... I don't have any complete finishes for the month of April... but we made many memories that will remain with us.  I will say that the Patchwork of Love wedding quilt was delivered to the newlyweds.  It was a few hours later I received a message from our niece stating that Andrew declared that it was perfect... she sent along with the message a picture of Andrew curled up under the quilt followed then by another message that there were soft snores heard a short time later. 

I was told the next day by Bonnie's Mom that all of her children/spouses were discussing their wedding quilts and how they all loved them.  My mission was accomplished. <3

This quilter's heart is so pleased!

Keep Piecing,

Melva

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m


Sunday, April 27, 2025

Sew & Tell ~ April 28, 2025 - We are family


I'm coming to on the road again... 



Thursday was a long day of driving... the sunrise was pretty, a gas stop close to lunchtime was near a small museum that had a couple barn quilts, a sod house and two sculptures made of barbed wire.  The day was wrapped up with the opportunity to drive through Omaha in a severe thunderstorm with a tornado warning, lightning, thunder and torrential rain!  We arrived safely at our hotel in Council Bluffs, Iowa.


Friday was a shorter day of driving and much less eventful... dare I say, boring!  I had ample time to get add all of my red hexies to my RSC project...

I spent a little time hand-quilting the teal quilt and plan to continue it on the return trip.


We made a short drive to Waukegan and Lake Michigan on Saturday morning.  The wind was cold!

The service for our brother-in-law was so special.  He touched many lives and the turnout was a true testimony of his character, kindness and generosity.  The time with family is always interesting and entertaining... and the fun continues with a gathering today, Sunday afternoon.

Here's a fun video that describes our time in Illinois. 💗  Family!  I dare you to not tap your toes as you listen. ;)

Keep Piecing,

Melva

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Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Piecing Life Together

Life can get overwhelming... even in the midst of good times... yes, even the good times can be overwhelming.

That's where I have been lately.  Our 15 days of spring travels were wonderful... despite the news of the passing of our brother-in-law.  We had planned and prepared for the possibility of taking a "detour."  As it worked out, we were able to continue on with our trip as planned... Ron's celebration of life will be on the 26th.

I have so many details and stories (including the challenges we encountered) I want to share about the trip... I simply have not had the time (nor desire or creativity) to write them up.  For those that live vicariously through my stories... I am sincerely sorry.

We arrived home on the 16th... relaxed, yet somehow, not really rested.  There was no time for us to slowly resume our normal routines because we had only 7 days to prepare for our upcoming trip to Illinois to be with family.  

This meant that we could not dilly-dally in all that needed to be "caught up" with.  Mail, bills, laundry, household chores (inside and out)... grocery shopping and making plans for what was needed for our next road trip.  

In the midst of all that necessary "stuff" I was able to sneak into the studio for a few short sessions of piecing...


While on our spring travels I hand-pieced 4-patch units (below)...

while getting my friend's sewing machine set up, I pieced some 9-patch units (also below) and my RSC Korner Kabin blocks...

In between tackling the mountain of laundry from the 15-day trip, I added the 21-year-old Hawaiian squares, and a border.

I had misunderstood the color choice for the April Rainbow Scrap Challenge and that is why I was working with teal.  Oh well...  After reading a few other comments on Angela's post I do feel better knowing I was not the only one who did this.  ;)


Once the teal quilt was sandwiched and ready for quilting, (and now that I was back home with my stash and scraps) I pulled out a small assortment of red scraps. 

Since the Hawaiian squares have red flowers in them, they remained on the cutting table.  

I found an ample supply of cut-off HSTs that I made snowball blocks with and then chose to make log cabin blocks for the alternating blocks.  I've added a 1-inch neutral border with scrappy piano keys as a border with cornerstones from the tropical print.

We have a 17-ish hour drive (one way) to our destination and a plan to hand-quilt these two small quilts.  They have been marked, pinned and ready to go!  And so am I...

I've baked bread and muffins, made granola and have the various "travel foods" that I take along with us in cases like this.  I do have to say that at a lower altitude I have a much higher tolerance for foods I typically avoid.  It opens up opportunities to dine out without much physical discomfort and pain.  Though I do still notice it can still affect my sleep and emotions.  

It is interesting how colors can also affect your mood... As I scrolled through pictures to insert into this story, the teal quilt brought me a sense of calm, while the red quilt (as vibrant and cheerful as it is) made me feel tense.  Maybe energized is a better word???

Could it be because the teal quilt reminds me of the relaxing time we had on our trip? And the red quilt was made in a time of frenzy and busy-ness?    Or maybe I'm the only one that experiences this...

What are your thoughts?

I'll be back with the Sew & Tell party and share the progress of my hand-quilting and probably a bunch of pictures of family.  I need to continue packing...

Keep Piecing,

Melva

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m