A favourite tool........

I've had the tool for quite awhile but only because one of the many patterns I've purchased over the years required them.  I finally got to use it for the stems and boy it really does the job......Bias Press Bars!  We may have some at the store but if not I'll certainly put them on the next order...........

How it works?  In this case I was using 3/8" so you sew your "stem" fabric at 3/8" with a 1/4" seam allowance, wrong sides together.  You then trim your seam allowance to 1/8" and cut your stems.  Maneuver your stem onto the press bar and center the seam and press - voila!

Here's one of my finished blocks.......

Only need 15 more - but I have all my stems ready to go......I'm not sure if you noticed but I'm actually using a portable ironing board and an iron I keep upstairs in my bedroom closet.  This way I can get my applique work done while I'm watching TV.....and I can rest when I need too, lol.....

Now that I found the Paper Pieces this project is really moving right along and I'm not having too much trouble with the neuropathy, it's really a breeze!  Gotta thank Nancy, Barb and Laurissa for these!!!!

Have a great day everyone!

Jo-Ann

Okay....

I really have to get my act together!  I've actually been working on something but in all honesty I am finding that sleep is what I constantly crave.

Those Paper Pieces came into the store last week and I love them - they are far easier than Quilt Patis and so I'm busy working on a project I started at least 2 years ago with the Pati's but found with the "neuropathy" (side effect of the chemo - pins and needles and numbness in the hands and feet) I found them extremely difficult to work with.  The paper is much easier!  It's called Lithia Park and was posted in McCall's Quilting in February 2009 http://www.mccallsquilting.com/content_downloads/Lithia_Park.pdf .  I fell in love with it because I had the fabrics I thought would be gorgeous in the quilt.  Judith had brought in the magazine and I pounced on it, but, as we all know - best intentions!  I did start it way back when and have sporadically worked on it over the past couple of years but now I find I've gravitated back to it.  Will try and get some pics tomorrow and post my progress.....
Been a slave of the TV and my bed but am really coming along.  I see the oncologist again on November 9th and really can't wait!  I should be given a "clean" bill of health at that time but plan on being back in the store shortly, slow but steady......

Have a great day everyone....

Jo-Ann

Check it out......

I finally blogged myself on Cock A Doodle so please check it out - I'm really not able to sit any longer in front of the comnputer......will however, update again soon!!

Have a great day everyone!

Jo-Ann

Up-Date on Jo-Ann

Hi All,

I thought Jo-Ann would have posted by now but I guess not because many of you have been contacting me directly for information. So I thought I'd better update you.

Jo-Ann was released from hospital last Friday. She's at home a doing well. She tells me she is uncomfortable but not in pain and feeling a little stronger each day.

She hopes to be back in the store by mid-November. I know she appreciates all your commentsso please feel free to leave one for her. One way or another, I will make sure she hears about them.

I'm sure she'll be along one day soon to post again herself.

Happy Quilting,
Barb

Today was surgery day ...

Hi All,

As many of you know, today was Jo-Ann's surgery. She had to report to the hospital at 6:00 am today and for anybody who knows her, this is an ungodly hour!

I got a voice mail message from her friend Mucie at about 3:00 pm (of course she called at the only time I was on the phone all day!) to say that Jo-Ann was out of surgery, out of recovery and safely in her room and that the doctor said that he was happy with how the surgery went! GREAT NEWS!!

Jo-Ann just called me a few moments ago. She's not in any pain, I think perhaps because the epidural has not yet worn off. Although she sounded a bit dopey (more so that usual!!), she was in good spirits.

That's all for now. I'll post again if there's anything to report. Or perhaps I'll have her dictate a post for you.

Cheers,
Barb