Sunday, June 8, 2008

A big thank you - and another top finished

I've spent very little time on the computer this past week. I checked my personal email and that was about it. I guess I just needed to retreat into myself for awhile to rest and recharge. Once again I'm terribly behind on my blog reading.
I was so very touched by the dozens of comments I received after my last post. Thank you so very much to each and every one of you who expressed condolences and sent prayers and cyber hugs. They really meant such a great deal to me. The last week has been so hard - I see Shadow everywhere I turn, and find myself listening for the patter of his feet. It is getting easier day by day. The kindness and caring of my online friends has helped a great deal.
I have been doing some sewing and a great deal of reading. I believe I'm on my fifth or sixth book now. I've had sinus issues with some dizziness - thanks to spring allergies - and reading has been the easiest thing to do.

After I posted the last picture of my red and white quilt I discovered - by looking at the post with the picture - that I sewed a light sashing where there should have been a dark sashing. thanks so much, Paula, for pointing that out and putting me on the right track! I've taken out the incorrect piece and substituted a dark piece. I wonder if anyone besides Paula noticed that in the picture. I've bought a piece of red Moda Marbles that I think is perfect for the border - hopefully I can get that sewn on sometime this week.

Most of the sewing I've been doing has been appliqué. I chose fabrics and cut out the pieces for the fall and winter borders on "It's a Wonderful Life". I redesigned the winter border, redrawing the pomegranates, changing the shape of most of the holly leaves, and adding additional berries and vines. I used felted wool for the tiny round seeds in the pomegranates so I didn't have to turn under the edges when stitching them on. I added the final touches - stem stitch embroidery to define the panes of the windows in the houses. I feel so good that this top has been completed - another UFO to the finished flimsy stage.

I'm happy to report that my knee has continued to feel better since the cortisone shot, and I'm hoping to start longarming again this week. A good thing too - as I have two customer quilts to complete and two more to baste. Looks like I won't be able to do one of my own for a little while. The first quilt has a deadline of June 17th, so I'm going to load that onto the machine tomorrow and get it started. Lots and lots of stitching in the ditch, so it is going to take some time.

I also hope to get back to blog reading tomorrow - I'm missing everyone and am eager to see what you've all been up to in the last week or two.


8 comments:

Amanda said...

So glad you're feeling better. I love both of your quilts - both so different from one another, but lovely.

Lily Mulholland said...

Patti that red and white quilt is pushing all my quilty buttons - I just love it. And no, I did not pick up the sashing switcheroo! I love the fabrics you've used in it. It's beautiful.

Carol said...

Patti glad you're feeling better...sorry about the sinus-dizzy thing...this time of the year is so hard for allergies...You know sometimes the couch and a book are just the only way to go...the luxury of retirement. Your quilts are wonderful...the red is so striking and of course I'm drooling over the Jan Patek quilt. I must get mine done.

Cornfield Quilter said...

I want to thank you for the comment you left on my blog. I wanted to post to your blog because I want to make the red and white quilt just like yours. I fell in love the minute I saw it! I have a red and white quilt I made years ago and I need a new updated one. I hope you won't mind it I use your quilt as a guide. Thanks again-Cornfield Quilter

Anonymous said...

Oh this quilt is so beautiful! I love it. Hope you feel better soon.

Becky said...

Missed you! Hope that you are feeling better! Summers are made for reading - books. Love your two quilts. I am trying hard to resist beginning a red and white quilt exactly like your quilt. It is fabulous!

Take care!
Becky in Georgia

Fabricmom said...

I love both of them. Great job.

Nicole said...

I have shamelessly copied your red and white quilt and am working on a blue and white one. Thank you so much for your super tutorial on making the bias squares. It allowed me to get started right away!