Update! With a miracle thrown in....

   What a roller coaster ride the past few days have been.  My brother has had several more consults, exams, biopsy scheduled, and so on.  Nothing definitive, but general consensus was only biopsy will tell for sure....and it could be musculature.   Then yesterday he got up and said he felt normal.....less pain, and swelling down....what?

  He returned to his first doctor, and they talked about all the consults, and compared all to how he felt then.  Bottom line, he canceled the biopsy and is talking one week of steroids to see if all the swelling disappears.  He promises to be cautious and rush to the ER or doctor if any change happens. 
  We are optimistic and relieved to not have to rush to Florida, and so grateful for healing hands of mercy from above.  A timely miracle, I think, that brings me to my knees.  And very thankful for all the prayers and concern offered. 

  My creative self feels full and lifted....so I am sharing an older project called Awakening I.  This is my form of self expression.  Over on Linda's blog, Art in Search, she shared a wonderful post on reflections. 
Happy stitching. 

I saw a tree

  It was a great trip!  And it is always nice to get home....something about my own bed.   Sir Old Man accomplished all his "Daddy-do" projects, plus a couple of more things.  Once again we visited the Farmer's Market in Royal Oak, picking up fresh breads and jams.  Deana took us to a used book store....we love to wander and browse.  I lucked out and found 2 quilting books....I will share the inspirations from them later as they will probably be Let's Book It projects.

   On Sunday we went to see the Campbell Street House.....from The Rehab Addict TV show!  Unfortunately, we all--there was a big crowd gathered--- had the date wrong for the Open House. But having watched every episode, as Nicole tore off the porch and awning, had the windows repaired, fixed the porch, and hung the flag.....as well as all the interior, it was a treat to see the real thing.  She takes "jewels" and restores them to their former glory.....adding and taking away the damage and saving anything she can.  My kind of re-cycling preservationist.
 











An old tree was turned into a work of art along the curb.....using a chain saw!  Believe me, this was so amazing.  I believe she enlisted a local artist to do this.  Her hope is to encourage the area to restore their street and revitalize the neighborhood.


 














 










  Further down the street, another tree became more art for the neighborhood, too.  You could see signs of some improvements on homes along the street.
  There is amazing architecture in Detroit, even in the small homes with distinct details.  So we were really glad to get to see a glimpse of an area that can be brought back.

 
   We stopped at an antique mall off the interstate in Northern Ohio on the return trip home.  I spotted this sign....How cool would this be hanging in the sewing room?  No, I did not bring it home....but I loved it anyway!

    I am playing catch up around the house for the next couple of days....and ready to get to sewing again.  I do want to apologize for not replying to comments and a couple of questions while gone.   Using the iphone to reply is hazardous to my blog it seems.  I try to reply and the  email disappears.  Poof into cyberspace somewhere, somehow.  Obviously it is me, but I do not know what I am doing wrong.   So if you were one who needed an answer, please try again.
Happy stitching.

Home for the holidays

  It's Friday, and we are staying home for the holidays......for a number of reasons.  Number one was the driving weather, and then the health of Sir Old Man's father has nose-dived this week with pneumonia and congestive heart failure.  Dad is back in the nursing home now and doing better.    And lastly, I have had the stomach bug that is going around.   Today finally, I can eat a little.  Not ready for chocolate yet, but soon I hope!


   The good news is that we will be here for nephew Remy's visit...and of course, the rest of the family ;)
I had word from a very reliable source that Remy was very taken with the Elf on the Shelf mystic.  So nothing would do, except to adopt one here.
   Mason Dinklejarrel arrived yesterday and made himself at home.  He prefers to be called Dinks and apparently loves mints.  I am so happy that Rudy was pleasant and agreed to share his space with Dinks.  I would hate to have them fighting.
   I know I am just a big kid at heart, but I love to see the wonder and delight in the eyes of those who still believe in magic.  So I am planning to have some fun with Dinks this season!
  Tomorrow begins the cooking ahead/baking time that I thought I would avoid this year.  But that is part of what I do and who I am.  So why fight it?
   There's a wonderful post from Wanda at Exuberant Color today.....her studios revealed!   You don't want to miss it.  Nothing like envy to make you want to get busy.
Happy stitching.

A little extra-----The Elf on the Shelf is magical.  He watches over the child and reports back to Santa each night.  When he returns the next day, he will probably be resting in a new place.  He often brings extra treats.  But you can not touch him, that could hurt his magical powers.  And he loves to hear how your day went and what good things you did each day.
  Imagine my 4 year old nephew up before dawn, using a flashlight to find his Elf!  We all need that little bit of magic each day.

What's in the crate?

  There's a story that goes with this photo, so bear with me.
  This thing has been around with me for over 40 years.  Many times and with every move I attempted to discard it.  Yet each time  the thought would enter into my head that it was time to get rid of  it, I would be filled with a sense of  "not yet".   I could not let it go.

   I was just out of college and was beginning this wonderful journey of independent life.   This  fruit crate was found by a trash dumpster at the back of a grocery store in Nashville, TN.    It became my first piece of furniture and  turned on its side I used it as a dresser for my clothes.  *grin*....it sat beside my bed, which was a mattress on the floor.   I never thought twice about  its lowly  appearance in those days.
   Over the years it has been used to hold books, and magazines----the rustic country look was in style. Other times  it was stood on end and became a plant stand.   Then marriage and a daughter came along.  The crate was tucked into the corner of the living room and put into use to hold stuffed animals and toys.   When I learned to quilt and accumulated scraps, it turned into the scrap bin.  When my scrap collection out grew  the crate, it was once again re-purposed to corral  batting pieces.
   For the last few years, my crate has sat forlornly in the garage.    It is quite rickety now and not as sturdy as it once was.   I think it has just a little more life in it.....  holding doll quilts!!!

  Yep, more doll quilts arrived.    This collection is from Margaret and the Fiber Friends group in Landrum, SC.  Beautiful and soft flannel .  This pair is so nice and one is trimmed with ribbon and the other with eyelet.  

      Thank you all for helping and sending such wonderful doll quilts for the project.

 
     So what's in the crate?  Memories.....from where my journey began to where I am now.   It reminds me of the road I have traveled, and the things I have learned.  I see function and purpose etched into the battered wood slats.  And ultimately I know that it is not what you have, but rather what you do with what you have.   Cost of the crate--- $0.   Worth of this crate---priceless.
Insight:  I won't even think about discarding the crate again.  I'll leave that  to someone else for later.   For me, I am very thankful I listened to my heart and kept the crate around to store the memories  in.
   
      The  Christmas Quilt Show  begins in a couple of days.  
Be sure to check out the details and join in.   I'm entering a special friend  ;)
  Happy Thanksgiving to you all.  Happy stitching.
       

Photos for today

     First up....from Mrs. Claus in Arkansas.  Four adorable doll quilts arrived this week from NICUnurse of the HGTV Message board.  Thank you so much, as these 4 are beautiful.
The colors are perfect for this time of year too....and love those flying geese. And so will some little girl this Christmas.
   I have completely lost count of doll quilts that arrived from the HGTV group....but it is huge and so very much appreciated.  Thank you all.



And from the pumpkin patch......

  Remy was out selecting the perfect one it seems.  Who knew they had pumpkin patches in Florida?

And before I leave, don't forget the Foto Finish at Cat Patches  ;).  Check out the pix there.

  There is barely a hint of color on the trees here so far.  Instead I am sharing my favorite fall quilt full of scattered leaves, called Autumn's Carpet.  I  gathered various leaves from our yard and my daughter's yard a few years ago.  They became the patterns  for the leaves I appliqued on to this batik quilt.

  Enjoy your weekend...and happy stitching.

Photo practice

  After running a couple of errands this morning, I thought I would try for a few photos.  This is one I finished up for my daughter, who said the blocks---rectangles---reminded her of kleenex boxes.
   I found some deep shade in the front yard for a long view.

  I used a large print fabric for the backing and added a computer label complete with cardinal.















A closer shot and less angle.

   I just used wavy line quilting on this, so no good close up on that.  The light is stronger in the back yard....but you can see why I call this one, Mod Boxes.   I think the photos give a lot more interest to this very simple block quilt.  And I need to try some late afternoon shots for better details.  Count this as another learning lesson.  Feel free to share  your thoughts on the photos....just be gentle with me  :o)
  Happy stitching.

Fall is in the air

   What a beautiful day yesterday.  And today is more of it....there is nothing like a morning cup of coffee on the patio when the air is cool and crisp.   It makes me think fall is in the air.
    When the family went to the football game Saturday,  I put some stitching on the fall banner for my demo.    Nothing fancy, just outlining the appliques and curves for movement.   I like how it turned out with the dimensional flying geese, all heading south!

 
      We have enjoyed Remy.....a 3 year old chatterbox who is into everything.  Last night he informed me he was making a car with my "towels".  We expected to see half the linen closet on the floor, but instead he had used quilts!  I laughed so hard at his antics....dragging quilts three times his size across the room  to pile up around a couple of pillows.   A child's imagination in motion.   Everyone else was horrified--not her quilts--, and I thought it was priceless.    Hope he holds onto that imagination....always.
Happy stitching.

Colorwash is growing

  This thing is addictive to me.  Even if I only have 15 to 20 minutes, I am in there studying and re-arranging squares.   So this is a quick shot of where I left off yesterday.  Look back at a few days ago to see how this one has grown.
   I raised the red area a bit by adding a dark teal area at the bottom left.   The upper corner on the left is in purple and now for the blues to come in from the right.  The right side needs more blending but you get the idea of where I am putting the colors.  Right now the size is 16 rows by 21 rows....or when  sewn it would be about 32" by 44".

     Growing....Jen sent me this shot of Remy heading off to his first day of school---K-3.  I can't believe how much he has grown.  I think they feed him fertilizer.  And a question.....don't they wear shoes to school in Florida?  ;)  I just had to share.
 
     PT report....yes!  Greatly improved and Katie was amazed at the range I have.  By the end of my session she had me raising my arm to----ready for this---180 degrees!!!!   Such a small thing as raising your arm---like to hang up clothes or put away dishes---is not to be taken lightly or for granted.  It has taken me over 4 months to accomplish this little feat.
    It  is baking day today.....off to the kitchen.
Happy stitching.

March ending

  March came in like a lamb and went  out with a roar......of hail storms last night.  Not just once, or twice, but three times the rain and hail came.  It cleared the air  at least, and no damage that we can see.
  We had a wonderful celebration day with our April Fool birthday girl and son in law.  We hit the book store, yarn shop, and lunch at the Brick Street Cafe, where the waiter crooned "Happy Birthday" to Deana.  She hated it but endured anyway.  

  Here's the rest of the kitchen towels and snack mats, and mug rugs I trimmed out for her.  Yep, she thought they were  perfect for her kitchen.  
This project turned out so cute that I'm thinking I need a few new towels myself.
  I am working on the pinwheels for the border of the scrap quilt.....finally!   For some reason I have gotten bored with this one and I am ready to be done with it.  So I don't think I will start a second one as planned.
   At this stage of life and such, I want to invest my time, effort and ability in projects that really spark me.  That means either they are quick and easy, or really have the design element I like.  Will have to see what calls out to me next.  So....happy birthday to our girl, happy April Fool's Day, and happy stitching.
  

I came up for air....

And found this waiting for me.
Sir Old Man did good.  No roses for this bride 37 years ago.   And I thought he did not remember.

Hiding

   Family weekend  was fun, even if we were inside due to the wet weather.  I  remember playing hide and seek, when we were small.  So the young ones entertained themselves with a game for a while.   We might not have found Remy, if it were not for that foot.....
He is just the perfect size to slip under the quilts on the quilt ladder.



 



I wasn't able to decide on which of the Pat Sloan patterns to use for the sewing machine cover.....so I used parts of my favorite two.

Of course, I could not resist the cardinals.  This pair had to be on one side.   I love the patterns....big pieces for a change.  Not those half inch bits that get lost before I can fuse them.  Second good thing is a full size layout  that is included.

Here's a better photo of the quilting.
 I mixed up the quilting stitches by using close swirls and stacked teardrops on this side.











The other half of the cover is done with the pair of purple cone flowers.  I used mainly meandering loops---have to get back in practice---and a few leaves thrown in.  

The cover is really just a rectangle with straps ( hook and loop tape)  on  the side  to hold it in place.  With that high bar thread guide, I had to figure out a way to avoid it, and this works fine.  And I get two "views" this way.
Happy stitching.

A memory gift.....

    Do you know your love language?   A love language is what speaks the loudest to you and tells you that you are loved.  Some people need actual gifts, others need words of affection, or touch.    Mine is the gift of  quality  time and service, and that is the type of gifts  I prefer to give as well.  Guess that explains why I love to give quilts as gifts, and see Christmas dinner---lots of time and service there---as a gift to my family.
   So Sir Old Man and I came up with the idea of giving a special memory to Remy for Christmas.  He has a few small things to tear open, but we hope this one is what he will remember.  Remy loves to play with tools....drills and hammers, and we thought about a toy tool bench.  But plastic tools just don't hit the mark when you have Mom's cordless drill to figure out, and see all Dad's big tools.  But, what if you got to actually build  something and hold the drill and set in the screws, and actually work in the wood shop?  Now, this has possibilities, don't you think?
  The wood pieces are cut, the holes are pre-drilled, and Uncle Russ, his Dad, and big brother  will be the mentors in the shop.  I made up a picture card to go with the wood pieces.

  The afterward:    Unfortunately I am having trouble loading the photos  of Remy with the drill....just take my work for it, he put in all 16 screws and smeared/spread the glue in all the joints.   So much fun to watch his concentration as he worked.  I think the adults enjoyed it more than he did.....that's OK by me.
  Update...photos!

I did manage to get 2 photos added.....see the intense concentration and hard work!









   So after all the gifts were opened, and the wrappings cleaned up, and dinner was shared,  I took a few moments to watch all my loved ones interact yesterday.  The moments that took my breath away.....that I will hold so close to my heart.
      Peter and Trey touching the blocks that their mother made which I turned into quilts for them.  I barely held back the tears as I watched.
      Deana hugging her yarn....."Strawberry Shortcake"  dyed sock yarn and then watching Trey be the yarn tree as she wound it into a ball later.
       My brother and Russ cleaning up the kitchen and washing dishes.  A wonderful gift to me!
       Peter on the floor with Natalie as she learned to string the beads and make jewelry with them.
       Remy in Justin's lap playing Wi......Cars racing game.
       Jen figuring out......"You make all this food so they can take home leftovers."
Nothing like a family day to make you realize what matters the most in life.  The time we share together.

Graduation and Pathways

It was a very long day for graduation at Clemson, but so worth it to see Justin take that walk and get his degree.  We are  very proud of him. 
    Big guy needs a big quilt....right?  
 I gave him his quilt, Pathways.  He and his Dad are tall enough to hold it up for me to finally get a full shot of it.