First......

Let me say, Happy Valentine's Day (missed it), Happy St. Patrick's Day (missed it) and Happy Easter/Passover (just missed it!)....  Okay, now we're up to date.  I have been a bit "under the weather" the last couple of months and it's been extremely difficult for me to sit in front of the computer so I've pretty much been out of cyber touch.  I don't really go on the computer much at all so I'm behind with e-mail, facebook and of course, the blog. I couldn't, for some unknown reason, even use the laptop to blog.  I believe I may have figured that little problem out as I am using the laptop now.

After that amazing birthday party that Liz hosted I decided to start chemo again.  I managed to get through two treatments before I became so sick that I just couldn't keep it up, so, as of now I am no longer doing chemo.  Unfortunately, the treatments do not seem to be doing anything besides making me sick and after close to a year of constant treatments (three bouts of chemo and one bout of radiation) I decided I really needed a break.  Whether or not I will commence treatments at a later date has yet to be decided. At the moment I am just taking each day as it comes - enjoying the "good" ones and trying to ignore the bad ones.

What I am enjoying is being able to get back to doing a bit of quilting.  I am finally engrossed in my "Top Secret" project which hopefully I will complete in the next week or two.  I've also managed, with a great deal of help from Liz and Mucie, to start sorting through all the "stuff" I've been hoarding and we have cleaned out the hall closet. Jonathan arranged for us to get a storage locker in the building so we now have all the boxes out of the house - finally.....

He had a friend from Vancouver come to visit the end of March and I was so lucky to have Gail and Cathie come and help me (they did all the work) clean most of the apartment.  I cannot believe how lucky I am to have friends like I do.  You cannot imagine how grateful I am for everyone's help and support.  The visit was a complete success and we've managed to keep the house relatively clean since.  It's certainly easier without all those boxes.  Now, if I can only get all those quilts done that are waiting in the wings I will be laughing......

I am still working on my Scrappy Flannel which I am "big stitching" by hand and Sandy (Lindal) has basted The Farmer's Wife which is waiting patiently in the wings to be hand quilted.  Liz and I sorted through all my threads to choose the colours and I'm just about ready to go.  I work on Jonathan's schedule so that we don't get in each others way. When he's working I am able to use the machines in the dining room so that's when I can get my piecing and quilting done.  When he's off I am usually doing hand work which I manage to do in my sitting area in the bedroom.  I have to say, we really lucked out with this apartment.  The larger of the two bedrooms is large enough for a decent seating area so I can sit and watch TV and do my hand work.  That frees up the living room for Jonathan to have the larger TV and also not have me underfoot.  So far it's working out quite well.

I guess that brings you all up to date and I would like to get some stitching done tonight as I am actually feeling up to it....I will try not to leave it too long before I blog again for those of you who keep up with what I'm up to.

Have a great day everyone!

Jo-Ann 

Update!!!

I've got to admit that when I update every few days it's a pleasant surprise for me to see what I've accomplished.  Although it really isn't much, it seems like I am beginning to see some rewards for my efforts.  Some days I feel like I'm getting nothing done but that is not really the case.  I can look back over the last few days and see that my projects are progressing.

I was supposed to start chemotherapy today but have cancelled.  Calm down - it's not forever!  While my friend Linda (V) was over on Friday visiting, (we had dinner from Mayfair Chinese on Royal York - delicious!) I had an epiphany!  I was reading through the pamphlet regarding the "medication" (Jonathan calls it poison) which Dr. O wants me to have and in going over the side effects and the risks involved, noted the high risk for patients with heart issues.  Since I had a heart attack in 2012 I became just a "wee bit" concerned and made the decision to have a few tests done by the cardiologist before I agree to undergo this chemo.  Just a precaution but personally I'm going with "better safe than dead!"  As much as I trust my oncologist, there are underlying factors that have to be addressed.

Unfortunately, due to this decision we are upping the pain meds in order to deal with that issue.  It seems to be a never ending game, but on the bright side, if the pain dulls it is worth it.  

Speaking of Friday - I managed to get the top done on my Yellow Brick Road and I am really happy the way it turned out.  First, I laid it out on the bed (while changing the sheets).....

Laid out and ready to piece

Then I marked it with small Post It notes.  Yes - I do make mistakes!  There was no way I was going to try to put this together without putting it in some semblance of order so I didn't mess it up.  After Bricks & Mortar I think I learned my lesson......

Marked with Post It notes - I even tried to use different colours for each row

It took most of Friday to get it pieced.  I take a lot of breaks!  In between piecing and pressing I'll sit for a few minutes and of course the TV was on so I admit I got distracted a few times and Linda was over for a few hours, and, and, and....excuses!!!!

Centre done and I'm pretty pleased with it - love the colours!

It was completed with everything put away by the time Jonathan came home from work about midnight.  Jonathan was off Saturday and Sunday so I retreated to my "hidey hole" in the bedroom to resume work on the "big" project!  The Farmer's Wife.  

I'm not sure if I've mentioned it, but The Farmer's Wife was started January 19th, 2010.  It is now officially 4 years in the making.  All things considered, 111 blocks with sashings and cornerstones, hand piecing which I was not always able to do, I'm pretty pleased with my progress.  Who am I kidding - I never really thought I'd get it done..... Okay, it's not exactly done yet but I have 10 blocks to go and 4 rows to complete - that's pretty close....

So - here are the additional blocks and rows that have been completed......

 Three of seven blocks on Row 12

 Block #95 - Temperance Tree - 42 pieces

 Four of seven Blocks on Row 12

 Block # 84 - Spool - 13 pieces

 Five of seven Blocks on Row 12

Block # 74 - Ribbon - 24 Pieces

  
It doesn't seem like much got done over two days but, there is the choosing of fabric for each block, the marking of the templates and the cutting along with the piecing.  (I have to keep telling myself that so that I realize it's good progress!)

Monday I had grand plans!  I had hoped to have the Yellow Brick Road completed including backing ready to take to Sandy.  Alas, this was not the case, however, Linda (H) and I had made plans to drop her quilts off to Sandy so I took some Show & Share and off we went. Linda had two quilts ready to be long armed, a gorgeous baby quilt, all bright colours with white background in a "coin" pattern and her Irish Chain beige on beige queen size quilt which I blogged a couple of weeks ago.  I brought along my Yellow Brick Road to show Sandy and we have chosen the pattern, leaves, and the thread, a variegated orange.  It's going to be gorgeous!  Sandy showed off a number of quilt tops she has ready to quilt as well - we had a great time and I even made it down the stairs to the studio this time.....

Back home and intentions to get the borders on the quilt and start working on that backing....then to head out with Liz to the Etobicoke Quilters Guild meeting.  Didn't happen....It appears I am only good for one outing a day....  I ended up resting (sleeping actually) the rest of the day....

Yesterday things were better and I had all kinds of doctors phone calls to make, etc. so I got myself moving and motivated.  I managed, although I think it took all day - to get the borders onto the Yellow Brick Road.....

 Borders on - ready to go - oops! wait - need to do a backing......

Houston, we have a problem!  I definitely do not have enough fabric to do a backing.  It is time to hit my stash......

 Fabric left after piecing the quilt - large piece will have to do for binding too!

I knew that I had in my stash yet one more flannel quilt - a panel quilt that I had purchased as a kit.  I found it quickly, on the bottom shelf of my "fabric" cabinet.  I also found yet another flannel kit I had purchased!  I'm not sure when I became so fond of flannel nor do I remember those days but they all have histories.....Luckily, in those days (B.C. - before Cock-A-Doodle) whenever I purchased fabrics for a project I tended to take into consideration the difficulty in finding backing down the line so I usually purchased fabric for backing as well.  It appears that in the case of panel, I purchased two backings?!?!  or close to it!  

 The Panel - Cub Lake Lodge by Holly Taylor for Moda

The fabrics for the Panel quilt - plus the two backing fabrics

One of the backing fabrics for the panel quilt is a "huge" piece of mottled green which will go nicely with the fabrics from the Yellow Brick Road.  That having been said, I will have to make up the panel quilt in order to determine if I have enough backing fabric left over to make the second backing.   I also found another "lone" piece of flannel that will go with the mottled green and if I'm really lucky, we can only hope, I may have enough to back Bricks & Mortar too!  I'm not sure if I'm progressing here or regressing!  At any rate - we all know what my next project is and it appears to be the panel quilt.....

A while back I gave my Scrappy Flannel to Sandy to baste so that I could start hand quilting it with a "big stitch".  Using Pearl Cotton #8 I am slowly progressing while watching TV in the living room when Jonathan is working....so many quilts, so little time!

For now I am going back to bed for awhile (been up since 4:30 when I had to take some pain meds) so I will up and at 'em to do my hand piecing later.  Jonathan is off today so I'm all ready to get some more Farmers Wife done.....

Have a great day everyone!

Jo-Ann 

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 

OMG!

I had an amazing time on Saturday!  First, I was so excited the night before that I couldn't get to sleep.  That resulted in an extremely late start to the day.  I arrived just in time for lunch (perfect timing if you ask me!).  Since it was my first "real" outing in the car, I took the scenic route which took a little longer (no highways)!  Gail served a lovely salad with a fabulous lasagna and we had "West Coast" chocolate covered Nanaimo bars for dessert. (They were imported from the west coast!).

The girls (Cathie and Gail) had just come back from visiting Cathie's sister out in B.C. and so, our first order of business was Show & Share.  There are oodles of quilt stores out there and they really had a great haul to show.  You can see what was on Gail's mind while she was away.......

She did a bit of shopping for Halloween, the fabrics are great and I love the panel.  Her project for the day was also a cute Halloween table runner.  Of course there were other great purchases too......

The Laurel Birch cats are adorable and she's doing it in the pattern she's holding.  The cupcakes speak for themselves and the floral, well, that is just gorgeous!  I know I took pics of Cathie's haul too but I can't seem to locate them and I've gone through the whole disc of photos so I'll have to get those next time.

There was one more purchase which just blew me away!  Can you imagine making this miniature Christmas Ornament.  I don' think I would have the patience - and IT IS pieced!

Finally, after oooohing and aaaahing I had to really get down to work to catch up with these girls.  They were way ahead of me.....

Here's the quilt that I needed to make the backing for......a scrappy flannel quilt top which was completed in 2009 and then just set aside.....

The backing is made from the same fabric as the borders (I confiscated the bolt from the store...).  It took a fair bit of time to get this pieced, I had blocks left over that I wanted to use and I had already made a label which I wanted to incorporate into the back rather then sew it on later.....this is the result, thanks to Cathie's expert cutting!

FYI - If you are using flannel to back a quilt, take the measurement on the bolt selvage to selvage - this bolt measured 40" exactly and was tight, I had barely enough (Sandy's going to kill me!).  The quilt measures 68" x 79" so since it's being basted only she can put it on the long arm sideways where I gave her the extra inches.....

I have to say that is all I got done on Saturday but for me it was a huge accomplishment. I could have kept going but I didn't want to overstay my welcome!  It was a fabulous day, catching up with the girls and just having a great time!

This morning I dropped the quilt off to Sandy so I should be able to start hand quilting it some time this week.  Uh oh, another hand project!  I'll have to split my time between this and the Farmer's Wife so I can get them both done!

Have a great day everyone and happy quilting!

Jo-Ann

I'm so excited.....

I'm like a kid in the candy store today.  I was invited to join the "Stitch & Bitch" tomorrow (Saturday) at Gail's.  This is the continuation of that once a month Sunday "Stitch & Bitch" I used to host at the store.  First, I am absolutely honoured to be included and second, this will be the first time I am having a "sewing" outing since I closed the store.

It was a bit difficult deciding what to take along so Liz popped over this afternoon to help me with the packing (okay, I know, it's only a day thing but still, you have to have choices!).  For some reason I was leaning towards flannel quilts?!?!  This was a little weird for me since I don't really do a lot of flannel quilts but, I knew I had one completed that needed a backing and two more which I had started piecing so I thought it was a good theme to go with.

The first quilt is a scrappy quilt made from 6" inch squares purchased years ago at the Hobby Horse.  I had cut them into triangles and made half square triangles which were sewn together as the centre and one of the borders (larger pic tomorrow when someone can hold it up).  I have the fabric for the backing plus a bunch of extra squares I can use so the plan is to get that done so I can take it to Sandy (Lindal) on Monday and get it basted. I'm going to "big stitch" quilt it by hand with Pearl Cotton.

 Project #1

The second project is Yellow Brick Road in flannel.  This was from a kit I purchased on a trip to visit my grandmother in New Jersey in 2000 at a great store, Patchwork & Pies which used to be just off I 81 in upstate New York near Cortland.  I used to stop there every time I went down to New Jersey.  Most of this is cut and ready to go but I'm a little confused as to how big it's supposed to be....duh!  Started it about two years ago when I had a private student who was a beginner and wanted to make this quilt.....should go pretty quickly......

Project #2

Project #3 is a quilt called Bricks & Mortar which I started probably some time in the first year I had the store.  It combines flannel and the  Faux Ultra Suede I had in the store and is made up of all different flannels from the store as well.  I really like the pattern and think it's definitely worth finishing.  Not to mention, it is already partially pieced so again, should move along quickly.

Project #3

I know, I know - too much!  However, Liz and I discussed it and we came to the conclusion that "variety is the spice of life".  I may only get one thing done or be lucky enough to get something done on each of these projects.  I'm just so excited to be able to get back to my sewing machine, (it's been quite a while - probably at least 92 days!)in a place where I can actually set up the machine and sew..... Whatever gets done will be an improvement on what has been done!!!

Speaking of done - I managed to finish another Farmers' Wife block today.  This is the last block I need to complete the row I was working on.  Now I can finish the row and attach it to the growing quilt top.  (I have 66 blocks done!)

Block #78 - Shooting Star - 26 pieces

I was interrupted (happily-I might add) in the midst of completing the row when Liz called and mentioned a quilting dilemma she was having.  I immediately volunteered to come over and take a look!!!  I had an ulterior motive!  I wanted to drive the new car! Actually, I just wanted to drive, since I haven't driven since the night I drove home from the store on June 29th.  Jonathan and everyone else I know (Liz, Gillian, Linda, etc.) have been driving me everywhere.  Since I'm going to drive to Gail's on my own tomorrow I figured a little practice wouldn't hurt.  It's like riding a bike - except for the red light I almost drove through....ugh!  (Don't tell my son or he won't let me have the car again - ha,ha!)  

Lurch (the Kia Sportage) finally died about a month ago and we replaced her/him with a 2002 Ford Escape which, if tonight is any indication, is a dream to drive.  I haven't come up with a new name yet because I haven't really driven her at all but I know it's gonna be something sleek!!!

Liz and I came up with a solution to her dilemma and were planning to sit outside for a bit when the downpour started so we had a spot of tea and muffins inside and I finally left her at around 1:00 A.M. - so much for getting some sewing done Liz - sorry!!!  However, I really enjoyed getting out of the house - especially since it was last minute and unplanned. Felt almost normal!!!!

Okay, I'm off to bed now - need my beauty sleep!  It's a long drive up to Maple.

Have a great day everyone and happy quilting!

Jo-Ann