Today begins the It’s Cool to be Square Blog Hop hosted by Carol of Just Let Me Quilt! Thank you Carol for hosting this blog hop!
Let me begin by apologizing up front that I forgot to have this go live at midnight! I’ve had shingles for eight weeks now, and sciatica the first two weeks of that. This past week my estranged sister unexpected passed away, and even though we hadn’t spoken in years, she is still my sister and I’ve been in a sad, numb state since Tuesday. I feel so bad for her kids. They hadn’t spoken to her, with good reason, in at least 14 years or so. My niece few to Tampa to handle everything with her brother, who lives there. Hopefully today we will know the cause of death, though we have our suspicions. Sorry to lay all that on you, but sometimes it feels good to talk to friends. Even if we’ve never met in person, I consider you all friends! Thank you for being my friend!
A few weeks back I did a block for Fat Quarter Shop that I love, and just happens to be square! I would love to make a throw like this, but unfortunately, they no longer have this exact fabric. I did have intentions to border it with the fabric I have left, but last week was just a blur for me. One day, I will get borders on it and quilt it and donate it to my guild for our show next year. We auction small quilts to raise money for a charity. It will be chosen in September when the committee is assembled. The past two years it has been for Meals on Wheels.
FQS also sent me some Triangles on a Roll, which I’ve never used before, but I really like them. They make quick and accurate half square triangles! It was good to try a new product!
Here is the block I made for their blog post!
Don’t you just love those fabrics? I really wish I had ordered more than for just the one block, but glad I have enough to put a couple of small borders on it. FQS kindly has offered a free pattern for this block that you can find here. It is called Grandmother’s Favorite Block. When I saw the center fabric, it reminded me so much of my grandmother, I had to get it and fussy cut out those roses and doily. Not only was she a quilter, she also crocheted and tatted, and this reminded me of her so much. I miss my Granny!! She taught me to sew and love quilting! My grandparents had a little country store and my granddaddy would save the empty candy boxes and what she didn’t use to draft quilt templates, Granddaddy would use for target practice. They would have “turkey shoots” (they used targets, not real turkeys!) on Saturdays and I can’t tell you how many hams and turkeys and other prizes he brought home. He was a really good shot! But, I digress! Head on over to FQS and pick up that free pattern and some fabric while you are there!
Again, I apologize for not having a new project to share. Hopefully you like this one and will enjoy having this pattern in your repertoire. I can tell you, I’ve spent waaaayyyy too much money during this Covid-19 lockdown, but on good things that make me happy. I’ve joined at least two (paid!!) blocks of the month and when I feel like doing something, Oh, here is one more square (or at least it will be when I complete it) block that I’m working on. It is an in-the-hoop quilt designed by Sarah Vedeler of Meaning of Life Designs (no affiliation). I couldn’t resist this one. Though the center of the block is not complete, all of the borders and quilting is done – all done ITH!! This is my test block which is 18 inches. The “real” one will be 24 inches. I am slow to get started, but now that I kinda know what I’m doing with it, I think it will go much quicker! I am also learning to use my Scan N Cut I’ve had for over a year now and only used a couple of times! I think it will get a good workout cutting out these appliques! UPDATE: Center is now complete! I am loving this!!
Here is the fabric pull for this quilt. The background is grunge, green for the grass and blue for the sky, and black for the background of the blocks. The centers will be houses, with fences and trees, etc. Can’t wait to start the real one. The applique fabric is called Bohemian Rhapsody. It is hard to find right now, so Sarah has included grunge as well. I really like the grunge too! The supplier for the Bohemian Rhapsody closed shop, so they are looking for a new supplier. Hopefully they will find one as this fabric is gorgeous – at least it is to me!!
That’s it for me for today. I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing my blocks and, again, my apologies for being a bit late! Please visit my fellow bloggers to see what projects they’ve created.
May 18
Creatin’ in the Sticks
Life in the Scrapatch
Day Brook Designs
Songbird Designs (that’s me!!)
The Darling Dogwood
Kathleen McMusing
Quilting Gail
May 19
MooseStashQuilting
Beaquilter
Quilt In A Not-Shell
Elizabeth Coughlin Designs
Seams To Be Sew
Daughters of Dorinda
Daughters of Dorinda
Kathy’s Kwilts and More
May 20
Ms P Designs USA
Selina Quilts
Karen’s Korner
Just Because Quilts
Becky’s Adventures in Quilting and Travel
Sew Many Yarns
May 21
Scrapdash
Websterquilt
Quilt Schmilt
Vicki’s Crafts and Quilting
May 22
Just Let Me Quilt
Vroomans Quilts
Patchouli Moon Studio
Den syende himmel
Quilt Fabrication
Samelia’s Mum
Until next time…
I would never have imagined those fabrics would go together so nicely! That is a wonderful block, and so is the second one. Totally different styles. Cool!
Hi Brenda! Oh, I am so sorry to hear you’ve been dealing with shingles AND sciatica. And then to lose your sister, too. {{Hugs}} a bunch for you. I will hold you and your family in my prayers and hope that you get the kind of closure you need. Gosh, you’ve had a lot on your plate. My dad was a target/clay bird shooter. I was actually the “pull” girl many times – whenever the shooter was ready, he would say “pull” and I’d press the button so the clay target would get tossed out. Wow – that’s a flashback. I love your block and your test block. Lovely fabric pull. I hope you take care. More {{hugs}}. ~smile~ Roseanne
Love the Grandmother’s Favorite block, and even better that it reminds you of your Granny! That center is stunning and will look amazing as the front-and-center star of a quilt!
Hi Brenda, I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your sister, and shingles on top of everything. Thank goodness that you have your quilting to bring joy and comfort to you. I love your projects! Thanks for sharing.
Slightly horrified that your shingles is still bothering you. 🙁 And so sorry to hear about your loss, for you and your extended family. It all sounds very complicated and heartbreaking for you all. Love your Scan N Cut project, very very nice so far. Wishing you physical and emotional comfort this week. xx
Your quilt will be lovely . The starter block is amazing. I am very sorry to hear of your loss. I will keep all of you in my prayers.
Hi Brenda, I am so sorry to hear about your sister’s passing, even though you have been estranged for years. How horrible that you are still suffering from shingles after 8 weeks, with the added pain of sciatica at the same time. Hopefully, both of these afflictions will subside soon.
I love the fabric that you chose for your block, It is a breath of spring and summer.
Keep us updated on how you are doing.
Relax, we’ve all had times where our own problems or family come first, as they should. 1. If there is anything I can do for you regarding your sister, I live just west of Tampa + would be glad to drive over for you. 2. I have sciatica and have had shingles in the past. If you don’t have it already get Capsaicin to rub, I prefer the roll on to numb the pain. It was created for shingles and it is sold over the counter. It also stops that itch that you can’t scratch due to the horrid pain. 3. A doctor has to order Neurontin/Gabapentin for your sciatica. It anti-inflamatory for nerves, some people do have bad reactions so dr. may start you at a lower dose than you need. Sorry for the drug lecture but as a nurse it’s hard not to. Please let me know how your doing.
I am estranged from my family. There is no form of punishment any worse than the “silent treatment”, especially when attempts at reconciliation have been made to no avail. It’s lonely, sad & very heart-wrenching.
I hope your health is restored & your hearts are healed. May your sister rest in peace…
So sorry for the loss your family has suffered. Even though your sister was estranged, it is understandable to miss the sister relationship you once had. Shingles and Sciatica? It’s a wonder you were able to even sit and write a blog post. Thank you for sharing your beautiful blocks. Feel well soon. ? Carol
The blocks you made for the Hop are beautiful!! So sorry that you have a loss to deal with on top of having been ill for an extended period. Do take care!
So sorry to hear everything you are going through. And you are not even a day late? Wow, I am impressed.
You projects are lovely. I especially like the in the hoop project. I bought a Scan N Cut on sale about 6 months ago and it is not out of the box yet. Mind you, we moved during that time and are not 100% unpacked, but that is no excuse.
I hope your quilting offers you some comfort and the family is able to heal as a unit. Feel better soon.
I can’t imagine the turmoil you must be experiencing during this uneasy time. Hope your shingles are going away, and that your issue with your sister is resolved soon. The projects you shared are all beautiful. You do such lovely work.
You are excused. I did check several times yesterday but decided to give it one more try today. I loved seeing all the gorgeous fabrics you shared with us. Grandmother’s Favorite Block is gorgeous. How can you think of donating it when it brings back all those fabulous memories? I’m so sorry to hear of all that’s been happening in your life. Take care.
Brenda, I am glad you could share your hard days here in a world of quilters who all support each other so well. I hope you can find comfort during this difficult time of losing your sister. I am certain that being estranged from her does not make it easier at all. Hold onto your childhood memories with her and other good times.
I also hope you get feeling better soon. I have heard that Shingles are miserable. Hang in there!
Your block is happy and springy, but I fell completely in love with your applique’ project. It is breathtaking!
Brenda so sorry about your sister and the shingles and sciatica! I know how painful sciatica can be as I had it a few years ago and it lasted for over 7 months! The worst pain in my life. I told people who didn’t understand how bad it was that I would rather go through childbirth again without drugs! Hope it goes away quickly. Your 2 projects are so pretty. Hugs to you Brenda!
Late smate…no one’s keeping track. We are just delighted to see you and your block is gorgeous! You sure do have some cool projects going, I’m sorry to hear about your health and your sisters passing. Know my heart goes out to you. Hugs!