Moving right along.....

There really is no stopping me at this point.  I dove back into the bag of projects I have been lugging around for a few months and came up with a project I had started a couple of years ago.  This project has a history which dates back to B.C. (before Cock-A-Doodle). 

I began quilting in late 1999 having found Quiltmakers on Avenue Road and I was, from the beginning, a very loyal customer, always purchasing my fabrics and classes there.  When my grandmother, at the age of 100, was moved from a seniors residence where she lived on her own to a resting home in the summer of 2000, I began travelling to New Jersey every three months to make sure things were going well for her.  It was at that time that I began visiting other quilt stores along the route.  Just off Highway 81 near Cortland there was a quilt store named Patchwork & Pies.  It was in an old firehouse on a corner off the main road and it became one of my favourite quilt stores.  It was there that I picked up this kit - Yellow Brick Road is the pattern (well known pattern from Atkinson Designs) and the fabrics were these luscious, earthy toned flannels. 

 Fabrics with pattern

This kit sat in my pile of kits for many years just waiting for the right time.  A couple of years ago I had a private student who was making her first quilt and she wanted to do this pattern.  She chose black and white and red and I pulled out my kit.  We worked together and I am happy to say she got hers done but I had only managed to make a few blocks so the project ended up in the UFO pile.  Since I don't have a lot of flannel projects, I had pulled this one out to complete along with my Bricks & Mortar and the Scrap Flannel I completed in the fall (which by the way has been basted - thank you Sandy - and is ready for my "big quilting" by hand).  On Sunday, with Jonathan away working, I completed all the blocks to make the lap size quilt.

   Completed blocks (sort of)

The pattern calls for 40 blocks for the lap size but you only use 35, however, I think I want to make it one row larger so I will add 2 more blocks to give it a bigger width (hopefully today).  That was about all I could do Sunday and Jonathan was off Monday and Tuesday so I was back to hand piecing.

Monday and Tuesday were extremely productive.  Getting so close to completion I have really been pushing towards the end.  Each block I complete is an accomplishment and I've noticed I left a lot of the really complicated blocks to the end, what a surprise.  I guess we all do that......

I have now changed my strategy for completion and am completing them in the order that I need them to complete the rows outstanding.  This block completes Row #13. 

 Block # 75 - Rosebud - 28 pieces

The next few blocks are the ones I need to complete Row # 12.  I alternate between prepping and piecing the blocks to adding the sashings and cornerstones and completing the rows.

 Block # 86 - Squash Blossom - 22 pieces

 Block # 93 - Swallow - 23 pieces

 Row #13 completed

 Row # 13 attached to Rows 14 and 15.

Having attached Rows 13, 14, and 15 together I now have 4 rows to complete.  Rows, 9, 10, 11, and 12.  I am currently working on Row 12 for which I need 7 blocks some of which are already completed.  The next blocks are still for Row #12. 

 Block # 89 - Steps to the Altar - 26 pieces

Row #12 - started

As you can see, I put quite a dent in the Farmer's Wife over the two days I had to work on it.

Wednesday was a busy day.  Liz picked me up and we headed for Gillian's to have a lovely lunch and a nice long visit.  I was scheduled to be at the Odette Centre to see Dr. O at 3:45 P.M. and we made it in the nick of time.  For the first time in 3 years we only had to wait half an hour until I was called in.

What can I say!  I'm not sure what I was expecting to hear.  The radiation, which I struggled through in October did not do much good.  The tumor has shrunk but not substantially.  Because of where it is located it is inoperable and they can't do a biopsy. So we are back to chemotherapy which, if I chose to do it, will start next Wednesday.  He seems to think that the pain I am experiencing is from the cancer and that the chemotherapy, if it works, will help alleviate the pain.  At the moment I just feel like a guinea pig....that didn't work, so let's try this!  I sort of get it but I can honestly say I'm not particularly happy about it.  Will I ever be cancer free?!?!  That's the million dollar question.....there comes a time when you have to say ENOUGH!  I am certainly not that person that gives up easily so chances are I'll be back in chemo next week but we are still weighing the pros and cons so I will stay positive and continue doing my thing.....

With all that went on Wednesday I got no quilting done!!!  ...and Jonathan was working so I wasn't pleased to have lost my quilting time.  When I got home and settled in I was extremely tired so I didn't get much of anything done and Thursday Jonathan was off again so it was a hand piecing day.....

I continued working on The Farmer's Wife and this will be the last block in Row 12, which is slowly coming together.

 Block #107 - Windblown Square - 32 pieces

 First two blocks of Row 12 attached.

Block # 79 - Silver Lane - 40 pieces

It is an understatement to say I would like to just keep on going but that is just not feasible.  By the time I chose my fabrics, cut the needed templates and marked and cut the fabric, then hand pieced the last block - I could barely see straight.  I've been checking ahead and I've got one block that has no less than 57 pieces coming up, can't wait for that one.  Like I said, left all the difficult blocks to the end.  

Some of you may still be wondering why I chose to do this quilt by hand.  At times I wonder the same thing, however, I can honestly say that the accuracy has really become evident.  I have yet to have to stretch or ease any of the blocks to the sashing size.  They all fit perfectly and that is such a rewarding feeling.  I know that when I machine piece, I sometimes don't get an accurate 1/4" seam and there are times when I will have to square up my blocks or ease them into my quilt top.  This quilt is coming together beautifully. Would I do another one like this?  Maybe.  Once the top for The Farmer's Wife is completed, I will have Sandy baste it and I will be hand-quilting it so I have plenty of time to decide whether I would make a quilt this large again by hand.....

Okay, I really have to get what's left of my day going and get to work on that Yellow Brick Road.....

Have a great day everyone, and I will keep you posted!

Jo-Ann 

Patience!

Yesterday was Jonathan's day off so I spent a little time playing computer games and then decided to get out of his way and headed for my private haven and my hand quilting.  Wasn't sure I'd get anything done but I surprised myself -

Block 72 - Railroad - 28 pieces

I also managed to complete Row # 15, the lower left hand corner of the quilt top.  I will now work up from that point - I'm getting excited here, I have 6 more rows to complete the quilt top and only about 20 blocks that haven't been pieced....getting there....

Bottom left hand corner - Row # 15

Today started out very early, around 5:55 A.M. when I had to wake Jonathan for work because he couldn't charge his phone last night.  Worked out well because it's about the time I need to take a pill.  Back to bed until around 10:30 and then realized today is the day I get to machine quilt!!!  YEAH!

As soon as I did my crossword and had my brunch I set everything up, including the big ironing board.  I pulled out Bricks and Mortar and saw another mistake.  No problem, I can fix it - so I start unsewing.  Well, I only managed to totally mess it up and spent the first hour just fixing what I messed up......patience, another new "buzz" word for 2014!  Don't think I didn't contemplate, yet again, giving up on this quilt but determination is the name of the game.....

By 2:00 P.M. I had put on two more rows -

2 rows on - up to 4 rows, only two more to go

Liz called to say she was going to come over with some hand sewing.  Now, I have to say I was more than excited.....  I know that's weird, but you have to understand - First, I am home alone most of the time and I really do love company, but more importantly, Second - When Liz and I get together it's usually to go to a doctor's appointment, or chemo or out to run errands, we don't often get to just sit & sew and enjoy each others company.  I was really looking forward to this visit.  She came around 3:15 P.M. and stayed for about 3 hours while I got the last two rows together and added them to the quilt....

 Quilt center done - now the borders......

Liz was all packed up and just getting ready to leave so I got a quick pic

Liz had just been so supportive the past 7 months (longer when you include the store hours she put in), always there to take me to appointments and sit with me through the tough stuff....good news, bad news, all of it.  It was so nice to sit like two normal girlfriends and just chat and sew....what a treat!  I hope we do it more often- I really enjoyed this afternoon.

Now, back to the quilt!  She left me at an extremely crucial (appropriate) moment.  Here's the problem.  This is what happens when you return to those U.F.O.'s, the "oops" moment. I know I am not the only one who has this problem.  

The first border is pieced in 2-1/2" squares of which I needed 114.  I wasn't sure I had enough fabric!?!?!  Sure didn't look like it!  Turns out, after I worked it out mathematically (took 20 minutes) I would be able to squeak out 115 squares.  Of course I had to do quite a bit of fudging the blocks to make it work properly and the darker squares met up at the corners but by 8:00 P.M. I had the top and bottom border on.

Top and bottom borders

It was the side borders I really had to fudge, that took awhile, a little unsewing and resewing and voila - sides were on......

All four borders on - Yahoo!

Tomorrow Jonathan is off so I can relax and forget the mathematics because the outside border is also pieced and I really think that I am going to be short for sure.  However, after all is said in done, I really love this quilt!  I really like the pattern and did not expect it to turn out this nicely.....I even have a quilting plan!  I love it when that happens.  This will all have to wait until Saturday when I go back to figuring out if I have enough fabric to do the outside border....we can only hope....I can't wait to complete this quilt because I have another one waiting in the wings (my project bag) that I am really antsy to get to.

Tomorrow I will get to work on the Farmer's Wife and hopefully get a few more blocks done as well as a couple of rows.  I am definitely on a roll here and am extremely excited about the progress.  It's been such a long time since I've been able to say that....

Have a great day everyone!

Jo-Ann

Happy New Year!

2014 has arrived!  At our house it arrived very quietly.  Jonathan was working last night and also today so he was home for the countdown.  Although he was invited to a number of parties and celebrations, he chose to do the responsible thing and stay home where we were both busy playing computer games.....boring, quiet but nice!

The past two weeks have been very trying for both of us.  The power outage was, for us, a tough situation.  Jonathan was working so had the opportunity to warm up in the truck while he was out. I, on the other hand spent 66 hours layering clothing and hiding under my quilts to keep warm.  All I wanted for Christmas was heat and light and at around 8:00 P.M. on Christmas eve my prayers were answered.....Jonathan happened to be home as he had brought me some dinner and to say he was thrilled would be an understatement.  It took about 4 hours before I was willing to take my hat off - thanks Barb for that great knitted hat, it really kept me warm.  Liz, was also my life saver bringing over hot foods and coffee.  They were out 64 hours but were able to snag a generator.  I am still cleaning out the fridge and freezer - so sad to have lost so much food, etc.  Luckily we had not really done a big shopping for the holidays yet so the real loss was what was in the freezer.

I did manage to get some hand piecing done on my Farmer's Wife -

 Block # 99 - W.C.T.U. - 31 pieces

I also managed to get started on row 8 which has 13 blocks.  I am now working on finished row 8 which once attached to the quilt top will put me over half way done.  I only have 25 more blocks to complete.  I started this quilt in January 2010 so it's been 4 years in the making but honestly, I am thrilled that I have come this far.

Unfortunately I am still battling pain and so my schedule has been turned upside down in the sense that I find myself resting/sleeping a large amount of the time.  In addition, my TV in the bedroom gave out (the on button is broken) and when we moved Jonathan's TV into the bedroom we lost a key piece to hooking up the antennae.  Since I usually sit and watch TV and stitch, this has really put a crimp in my progress.  I am not thrilled by this and it means I have to adapt to the circumstances.

Gillian and I were trying to plan an evening - dinner at her place but I just couldn't make myself move last Friday so we put it off until Monday and I literally forced myself to leave the house (I hadn't been out since the 17th when I went for my CT scan).  What a great decision!  It was a wonderful evening with leftovers and Turkey soup that was absolutely delicious.  Then we sat and talked quilting and went through some of her stash to choose some patterns for her "scraps" as well as some absolutely gorgeous fabrics she had stashed away.  I can't wait to see those quilts finished.  I know she was busy working on something last night.  

I am looking forward to a "Stitch'n'Bitch" on Saturday with friends and really can't wait to get out of the house again.  I have to monitor the pain and keep the "pills" close at hand but otherwise it should be a great day!

At this point I honestly have to push myself to get things done.  It's not just the pain, it's the energy.  In my mind I make a list and if I get anything done I feel I've accomplished something.  My goal today is to get the fridge shelves cleaned, as well as the drawers and inside of the fridge.  That and a load of dishes washed and I will feel like I've climbed Mount Everest.  Amazing how the little things become so big!!!!

I am still trying to get a locker for storage so that I can make the house look habitable again.  It really does look like a warehouse in here with all the boxes.  It is very depressing to try to work around the clutter.  Hopefully this will come to pass in the New Year.

I want to wish you all a Happy, Healthy, Prosperous New Year and hope that everything you wish for this year comes to pass!

Have a great day everyone!

Jo-Ann

Made It!

Thursday was amazing!  Linda and Gillian scooped me up at about 11:00 A.M. as promised and we were on the road.  Missy came with us all snuggled up in the back seat with Linda. We were off to Guelph first and our first stop was Greenwood Quiltery.

I was on a mission to find Kaffe Fassett Shot Cottons and this was definitely the right choice.  As a matter of fact, they were waiting for me right there at the front door along with some very tempting KF prints.

However, I was on a mission and I behaved myself.  Out came those gorgeous prints I bought from Hygelitt at Black Creek Village this summer and I matched up the two shot cottons I had in mind for my project.....

My mission for the day was done.  Linda did well too, she chose a number of fabrics for her new project.  Gillian, unfortunately, did not find what she was looking for.  We didn't break the bank but we did some damage.....

Next stop was St. Jacobs and lunch.  We were all starving and getting lost on the way to St. Jacobs was truly not part of the plan but once we got back on track we had no problem finding our way to the Stone Crock Restaurant for lunch.  It's definitely my go to place for St. Jacobs....that, however may change and you'll see why later on....

Linda and I headed inside to get seated while Gillian took Missy for a much needed outing.

I had to reminisce about the next photo, this place has been around forever.  When I bought my house back in 2004 I came here to buy my mailbox, which I hung onto for years.  They've got some great little items which I why I stayed away.....

We had a lovely lunch - Gillian had French Onion Soup while Linda and I had the lunch buffet which was delicious.  Real down home fare!  Of course we had to go to the Stone Crock Bakery and pick up a few goodies to take home.  The ladies continued their shopping at the Silo while Missy and I took a nap.

Then we were off to find the other quilt store which is just north of St. Jacob's on Hwy 85.  It's at a little complex called The Crossroads which boasts a lovely restaurant, gift shop and Quilters Nine Patch, a wonderful quilt store.  We actually drove right by it because we didn't know what we were looking for but once we found it we were happily impressed.

The Crossroads Restaurant is something like the Stone Crock and boasts a lovely buffet as well.  Once we finished at the quilt store we stopped for a cup of tea for Gillian, Ginger Ale for Linda and a hot Peppermint Chocolate for me.....

Just so you can see why it's worth the drive (on the way to Elmira)...I took a few pictures of the gorgeous fabrics and quilts at Quilters Nine Patch....

She's  got a great variety of fabrics and a really welcoming store.  Loads of kits and samples which are so much fun to look at.  Linda did some major damage while Gillian bought a bit as well.  I, unfortunately, did not bring my current project with me so I couldn't get the additional fabric to complete it.  But I will definitely be coming back.

We left Elmira at about 5:00 P.M., a little later then we had anticipated but Gillian really needed that tea to get moving.....That was when we heard the news about Nelson Mandella, so on the long drive home we tuned in to CBC.  It did take a little longer than anticipated to get home but we made it by 7:00 P.M..

Of course, I paid for it!  It was an extremely long and wonderful day for me, however I spent most of Friday and Saturday in bed recuperating.  Sunday was a little better and today I did three more loads of laundry....

I have managed to get back to The Farmer's Wife (stitching) and will update all of that in my next blog....in the meantime, the plan for tomorrow is to work on organizing and cleaning....

Have a great day everyone!

Jo-Ann

Getting things done....

That's really what it's all about these days,getting things done in spite of all the physical setbacks.  I managed to get two loads of laundry done yesterday and trust me this was no easy feat.

First of all, I found out that I am phobic!  I have this "laundry room phobia"!  I absolutely hate laundry rooms....which is why it has taken me so long to get something so simple and mundane done.  When you run out of clothes, I mean it's been at least 6 weeks since I did a proper laundry run, you have to just buck up!  So I picked yesterday.  Dumb choice - it appears Wednesday is a very popular day to do the laundry.  When I got down to the laundry room there wasn't a machine to be had - so I waited and managed to snag two of the three machines I needed.  When I came down again, half an hour later there were carts and bags of all kinds of laundry just waiting to snag machines.  Luckily I made it in time to snag two dryers just before someone else came in looking for a dryer.  It was survival of the fittest so I figured that third load can wait a few more days.....

I also managed to finish prepping the next ten blocks pictured below.  You will only see 9 on my little work tray (a much used gift from Liz) as the tenth one is underneath one of the pages as it is pictured on the other side.....

 Once I have these stitched I will only have 22 blocks to go before all 111 will be done.

Today is a "red letter" day.  I am just waiting for Gillian and Linda to come and pick me up and we are off to Greenwood Quiltery in Guelph and then to St. Jacobs and Elmira.  We planned this outing pretty much last minute but I can now see if I can get some "Shot Cotton" to go with those scrumptious Kaffe Fasset's I bought in the summer at Black Creek.

Should be a great day!  The weather looks promising so that too is a bonus!

Have a great day everyone!

Jo-Ann