tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67856058386243597252024-03-13T06:10:31.757-04:00The RA Quilter & AmaThe thoughts of this Quilter and Ama (Grandmother) struggling with RA and it's effect on the Quilting yet to be doneAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02966615032896814341noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785605838624359725.post-30232489020637173642013-12-16T18:14:00.000-05:002013-12-16T18:14:11.086-05:00A little apology & wish for a Happy Holiday<br />
First the apology: I'm so sorry that I've neglected this blog post. It was never my intent to let life interfere with my conversations with readers and expression of ideas. Every one has an excuse for not doing something but I won't bore you with mine.<br />
<br />
June-December 2013<br />
<ul>
<li>I started a new job in my field of expertise and have been busier than a one armed paper hanger. So much thought has gone into the Affordable Care Act and the health exchange. It was a little disappointing to see the Federal government so far behind but the state rules have not relented. Great project and I hope that everyone who doesn't have basic health insurance apply for either Health insurance or Tax credits to purchase insurance.</li>
<li>In August, It was my great pleasure to attend the AQS national quilt show in Grand Rapids, MI. I saw simply marvelous quilts and marvel at the creativity/execution that was needed to make such truly pieces of art. The Quiltmakers of Cairo were there with an exhibit and demo. Interesting to watch the process. And of course, there was an exhibit of Libby Lehman's work and raffle to help offset some of her medical expenses.</li>
<li>In November, a friend and I went to Great Falls, VA to attend a northern Virginia and southern Maryland shop hop. Of course, we started and ended at Jinny Beyer's quilt shop. It was great to see so many products up close and personal and have a few minutes to chat with Jinny. She has been one of my favorite fabric designers for several years and I have several of her books. I even got one autographed!</li>
<li>Christmas season is upon us and I am so excited to share this special time of year with family and friends. Grandchildren are just the frosting on my cake and I'll have all four together this year. I am very thankful.</li>
</ul>
I was reading a blog from one of the companies that I regularly buy from and wanted to share it with you. I agree with this article 200%. Take time and be thankful for all the people in your life but give thanks to Christ most of all.<br />
<br />
<br /><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Christmastime can be an exciting time. The music, the lights, and the children's excitement all create a feeling of joy. <span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">If we invite it, t</span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;">he spirit of love, kindness, and tender forgiveness fills our hearts. </span></span><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Christmas has a way of encouraging us to become better people. At work, we discuss many business books, self improvement books, and motivational books. I remember a conversation I had with a colleague a while back. I asked, “What books do you read for self improvement and motivation?” His reply was, “The Scriptures.” I have never forgotten that. There is no better source from which to learn. All the problems in the world would be solved if we lived by the two great commandments recorded in Matthew 22:36-39. <br /><em>36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?</em> <br /><em>37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.</em> <br /><em>38 This is the first and great commandment.</em> <br /><em>39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.</em> <br /><br />More specific detail is provided in the Ten Commandments, contained in the Old Testament, scripture that is shared by many of the world’s religions. Such simple statements, packed with truth, offer peace, happiness, and real solutions if only we would obey. <br />I have sometimes wondered which commandment is the most important to me, right now. My answer has changed over time and I have realized the most important commandment to me is the one I’m struggling with at that particular time. <br /><br />At this Christmastime, let’s show our gratitude by trying to love our Heavenly Father and His son, Jesus Christ, with all our heart, with all our soul, and with all our mind. As we do this, loving those around us will become easier. God has given us the gift of His Son, who gave the world light, knowledge, truth, hope, love, and a perfect example. It is in Him we place our faith, believing His words as we go through life. <br />The only gifts we can give back to our Heavenly Father and his Son are hearts full of gratitude and our willingness and effort to do better and to obey. The gifts we can give to those around us are friendship, love, kind words, forgiveness, and help. As we do this, we experience real joy and that joy increases as we try to do our best each day. Nothing lifts our spirits more than doing something to help a person in need. These are the times we feel close to God because we are assisting Him in His work. May the comforting spirit of Christmas burn within our hearts and continue throughout the new year. <br />Merry Christmas from Bob and Heather Purcell</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: 10pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: 10pt;">This is the link to the newsletter itself: <a href="http://www.superiorthreads.com/newsletters/653/">http://www.superiorthreads.com/newsletters/653/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: 10pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: 10pt;">From my family to all of you, Merry Christ-mas. Let the threads bind us together be stronger and more supportive in the new year.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: 10pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: 10pt;">Merry</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02966615032896814341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785605838624359725.post-74774273074198382013-05-01T10:04:00.001-04:002013-05-01T10:04:28.258-04:00May is Arthritis Month!<br />
You probably know someone with a form of arthritis and may not even know it. A lot of people with arthritis don't look outwardly sick or "challenged" in any way. Note: we're not all disabled, we just have different things to over come daily.<br />
<br />
To many, the perception is Grandma or Grandpa with enlarged finger joints or someone using a cane. I have a cane, actually three, and a walking stick, a walker and crutches. My goal every day is not to use any of them. And I'm a grandmother. I was diagnosed with moderate to severe Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis about seven years ago not long after I turned 50. I've had the osteoarthritis in my knee since I was 16 caused by an auto accident. One invasive surgery, 9 "scopes" and a complete knee replacement have enabled me to regain greater functioning in the knee and in life.<br />
<br />
I am the face of arthritis. It takes me about 45-60 minutes every day to start to function "normally". My hands hurt and I have to exercise them to make them open and close. My feet and ankles refuse to bend allowing me to walk "normally". Shoulders ache so lifting and reaching is out of the question. Exercising and medicine are my best friends. Pain is omnipresent but controllable using meditation, exercise and medication.<br />
<br />
The list of medications taken during this last seven years is long: Plaquenil, Methotrexate, Humira, Enbrel, Cimzia, Mobic, prednisone and Orencia. Unfortunately it seems that combinations of drugs eventually quit working and/or the body becomes immune to them. The next group of drugs are infusions and generally require time in the doctor's office to have them. A good discussion of the different classes of drugs is here: <a href="http://www.arthritistoday.org/about-arthritis/types-of-arthritis/rheumatoid-arthritis/treatment-plan/medication-overview/ra-medications.php">http://www.arthritistoday.org/about-arthritis/types-of-arthritis/rheumatoid-arthritis/treatment-plan/medication-overview/ra-medications.php</a>.<br />
<br />
A suggestion to help your friends or family with arthritis, do a random act of kindness. Help bring in a bag of groceries, weed a flower bed, mow a yard, move stuff to lower shelves in a cabinet or pantry, or just hand them a hot drink to cup their hands about and chat. You'll make a difference this month for that person.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02966615032896814341noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785605838624359725.post-37320653465882465832013-04-16T15:52:00.001-04:002013-04-16T15:52:45.316-04:00Barn Quilts<br />
The first weekend in April, my husband Rich and grandson Caleb and I, went to Lexington, KY for Rich's brother Phil's birthday. Nice weather in KY. Rich and Caleb played 18 holes of golf in bright blue skys and high sixties weather.<br />
<br />
My sister-in-law Peg had picked up a brochure called "Buffalo Gals Barn Quilt Trail" and suggested we go on an adventure. Quilt blocks were hanging from beautiful barns throughout the hilly country side. Now in KY, most of the barns are horse barns and a lovely shade of charcoal or black. The brochure gave a web site where we downloaded the addresses and map of the trail. Now to be honest, we did not get to all 142 listed properties and we did see some that were not on the list.<br />
<br />
Here are some of my favorites:<br />
<br />
A gorgeous Ohio star done in red and black on a black barn. Love the red border that just makes it pop. This is an 8'x8' painted block.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7S-mrhDIJao/UW2nQ0_VZWI/AAAAAAAAAfg/wQhEFAo6g50/s1600/20130406_134837_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7S-mrhDIJao/UW2nQ0_VZWI/AAAAAAAAAfg/wQhEFAo6g50/s320/20130406_134837_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-piK3zwzUa4I/UW2nQdTcCvI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/2NxHrCu78Uk/s1600/IMG_3042.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-piK3zwzUa4I/UW2nQdTcCvI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/2NxHrCu78Uk/s1600/IMG_3042.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another 8'x8' block handing on the barn. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CWoxIEklutU/UW2nQRO_ozI/AAAAAAAAAfU/XLQupShioKQ/s1600/IMG_3046.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CWoxIEklutU/UW2nQRO_ozI/AAAAAAAAAfU/XLQupShioKQ/s1600/IMG_3046.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
From left to right these blocks were called winter (snowflake), spring (bird), summer (flowers) and fall (pumpkin). Each painted block was 4'x4'. This was one of the few white painted barns we saw.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AA3ODcaQ86I/UW2nQwDUiNI/AAAAAAAAAfk/1LWJ9MJbr5I/s1600/IMG_3048.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AA3ODcaQ86I/UW2nQwDUiNI/AAAAAAAAAfk/1LWJ9MJbr5I/s1600/IMG_3048.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Each of the following are 4'x4' blocks. They were listed as Radiant Star, Arrowhead, Rally Round and Double Wedding Ring. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XGAXqFqXe6E/UW2nQ1Gp77I/AAAAAAAAAfc/CDxLOSTB53Y/s1600/IMG_3051.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XGAXqFqXe6E/UW2nQ1Gp77I/AAAAAAAAAfc/CDxLOSTB53Y/s1600/IMG_3051.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The following three blocks were displayed on the wall of the local Pharmacy in Stamping Ground, KY. The first is a variation on the Friendship Star block, the second is the Labyrinth block, and the third is another variation of the Friendship block. All were 4'x4'.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-71VL1P59en8/UW2nRErPwPI/AAAAAAAAAfo/d9kI7ln3qkM/s1600/IMG_3052.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-71VL1P59en8/UW2nRErPwPI/AAAAAAAAAfo/d9kI7ln3qkM/s1600/IMG_3052.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G9kV0IBdpPM/UW2nRYDeKFI/AAAAAAAAAfw/CaBovGJRkLg/s1600/IMG_3053.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G9kV0IBdpPM/UW2nRYDeKFI/AAAAAAAAAfw/CaBovGJRkLg/s1600/IMG_3053.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pKJkbuPwYZk/UW2nRlLJktI/AAAAAAAAAf0/GKCz84SXsCA/s1600/IMG_3054.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pKJkbuPwYZk/UW2nRlLJktI/AAAAAAAAAf0/GKCz84SXsCA/s1600/IMG_3054.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Another favorite of mine. I love the way that the American flag is portrayed in this block. The Ohio star on blue and then the mitered stripes. I may have to make this block soon. This is an 8'x8' block.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1By6rzgbTfA/UW2nRjb4t_I/AAAAAAAAAf4/l9fcogfNaDs/s1600/IMG_3056.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1By6rzgbTfA/UW2nRjb4t_I/AAAAAAAAAf4/l9fcogfNaDs/s1600/IMG_3056.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />
This last barn has a Carpenter's wheel or Summer's block on it. I've always liked this block and want to put it on our big red barn to honor my Builder husband and his carpenter great grandfather who built the barn and the house. Isn't is lovely in the red, white, navy, and yellow?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qVe0ByRBuU4/UW2nR5RUP8I/AAAAAAAAAf8/5b4sluHVcFc/s1600/QtB15-46-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qVe0ByRBuU4/UW2nR5RUP8I/AAAAAAAAAf8/5b4sluHVcFc/s320/QtB15-46-02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Before I get comments on the names of the blocks, I shared with you the names that were listed in the brochure and on the maps. Some of the names I would think they are different but again, I didn't name any of the blocks. I enjoyed the view and ability to take pictures of so many.<br />
<br />
Beautiful day and a great way to spend together looking for the hidden treasures on the barns. I hope you can go sometime to find a barn trail/tour. They are so much fun.<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02966615032896814341noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785605838624359725.post-8477022625420540932013-03-16T20:40:00.002-04:002013-03-16T20:40:57.264-04:00Florida Pillows<br />
Another UFO that needed to be finished before I had carpal tunnel surgery on my dominant hand. My daughter, son-in-law and family are Florida fans and have decorated their family room with Florida memorabilia, pennants and gator themed stuff. It was only fitting that the pillows for the sofa be made with Gator fabrics.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D-oFeKXjs-E/UUUQUTBQa_I/AAAAAAAAAW8/yxwxs73Uqac/s1600/IMG951336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D-oFeKXjs-E/UUUQUTBQa_I/AAAAAAAAAW8/yxwxs73Uqac/s320/IMG951336.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Both pillows are the same. I added some backing to the tops to let them be washed often and a zipper for easy insertion and removal of the pillow forms. My daughter has two children under three and a nine year old. Pillows get tossed about quite a bit and need washing from time to time.<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02966615032896814341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785605838624359725.post-1789929071825305462013-03-10T18:21:00.002-04:002013-03-10T18:21:57.361-04:00Sugar Block ClubBlocks for the Sugar Block Club with Amy Gibson BOM.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m0syR7jguc0/UT0GawMq3ZI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/GDSRYvqkWC4/s1600/IMG_0527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m0syR7jguc0/UT0GawMq3ZI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/GDSRYvqkWC4/s320/IMG_0527.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QRP6cmQHdeU/UT0GbCrHoqI/AAAAAAAAAWU/OV9M5Fvs0So/s1600/IMG_0526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QRP6cmQHdeU/UT0GbCrHoqI/AAAAAAAAAWU/OV9M5Fvs0So/s320/IMG_0526.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KIvxsJD4CcA/UT0GbeJleNI/AAAAAAAAAWc/mE8WgpNKzVo/s1600/IMG_0530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KIvxsJD4CcA/UT0GbeJleNI/AAAAAAAAAWc/mE8WgpNKzVo/s320/IMG_0530.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-brZ232eyLPw/UT0HWJqfXbI/AAAAAAAAAWo/Et3hRaTrECA/s1600/IMG_0463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-brZ232eyLPw/UT0HWJqfXbI/AAAAAAAAAWo/Et3hRaTrECA/s320/IMG_0463.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02966615032896814341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785605838624359725.post-73078478018182493102013-03-10T17:49:00.002-04:002013-03-10T17:49:50.677-04:00Finished: Another UFO<br />
I've been trying to spend one day per week completing UFO's (unfinished quilt objects). This is the latest one to be completed. A chevron quilt started several months ago for my grandson. I found the idea/instructions on the <a href="http://youhadmeatbonjourblog.blogspot.fr/2012/03/tutorial-modern-chevron-baby-quilt-crib.html">http://youhadmeatbonjourblog.blogspot.fr/2012/03/tutorial-modern-chevron-baby-quilt-crib.html</a>.<br />
<br />
I had shown some work in progress pictures previously in <a href="http://lucymp53.blogspot.com/2012/08/chevron-quilt.html" target="_blank">this blog</a> post. Thankfully it is now done and in the little hands of the recipient.<br />
<br />
Here is my attempt to create the chevron quilt for my grandson, Colin:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8oCAiz3wW2M/UTz9j8I6grI/AAAAAAAAAVw/hlrNFUz8O-E/s1600/IMG_0523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8oCAiz3wW2M/UTz9j8I6grI/AAAAAAAAAVw/hlrNFUz8O-E/s320/IMG_0523.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9cEAdfoewxc/UTz9kF9WqdI/AAAAAAAAAV0/GirdJgkl6xo/s1600/IMG_0522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9cEAdfoewxc/UTz9kF9WqdI/AAAAAAAAAV0/GirdJgkl6xo/s320/IMG_0522.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JWoGCIll9iI/UTz9kjHsMxI/AAAAAAAAAWA/GFn_vl6EnZY/s1600/IMG_0524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JWoGCIll9iI/UTz9kjHsMxI/AAAAAAAAAWA/GFn_vl6EnZY/s320/IMG_0524.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Colin has had severe eczema since birth and does best with soft items. Instead of doing traditional quilting on his quilt, I backed it with a cream colored soft Minkee fabric. It was top stitched with a wavy decorative stitch. He has rubbed his face all over the quilt and seems to like it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thank you Kirsty for a great pattern.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02966615032896814341noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785605838624359725.post-12009288670246158582013-02-26T15:06:00.000-05:002013-02-26T15:06:47.846-05:00Quilters Hall of Fame<br />
<br />
I've always wanted to go to the Marie Webster House which is now the Quilters Hall of Fame. I have been a fan of the old Kansas City Star patterns and re-creating them in modern or new fabrics. Marie Webster wrote one of the first quilting books and published a pattern company. Many of her patterns were published in the Kansas City Star newspaper. So there my fascination began.<br />
<br />
I'd also like to see the signature quilts of each of the inductees into the Quilter Hall of Fame. It's just a piece of history that needs to be experienced. If you are ever in or near Marion, IN, you should try to stop in and see the garden and exhibit currently being shown. I can't wait to go. I think that this is my year.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.quiltershalloffame.net/" target="_blank">http://www.quiltershalloffame.net/</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02966615032896814341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785605838624359725.post-75279349454840010892013-01-17T08:24:00.000-05:002013-01-17T08:24:17.144-05:00Quilts I've MadeI wanted to share a few of my quilts that I've made:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This quilt is one that I made. It's king sized, used Georgia O'Keefe floral print and has red silk cornerstones. The split border gave the long arm quilter, Jessica Schick, room to replicate the flowers on the black.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yoGvkKoMk3M/UKLj3xQeODI/AAAAAAAAALE/2zMfHjJ4fMw/s1600/100_0702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yoGvkKoMk3M/UKLj3xQeODI/AAAAAAAAALE/2zMfHjJ4fMw/s320/100_0702.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uPBE4YvLE5Y/UKLj5cbEkEI/AAAAAAAAALM/L23jYXpavfg/s1600/100_0703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uPBE4YvLE5Y/UKLj5cbEkEI/AAAAAAAAALM/L23jYXpavfg/s320/100_0703.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This one is a queen sized Thimbleberries block of the month club. I was especially drawn to the border prints that were utilized in the quilt.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ark55JnIh7I/UKLkf5Lq_OI/AAAAAAAAALc/SxZm5-g1rYo/s1600/100_0795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ark55JnIh7I/UKLkf5Lq_OI/AAAAAAAAALc/SxZm5-g1rYo/s320/100_0795.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hqsa5QCpfiU/UKLkeB2NQHI/AAAAAAAAALU/D0_AZuDQ_lc/s1600/100_0794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hqsa5QCpfiU/UKLkeB2NQHI/AAAAAAAAALU/D0_AZuDQ_lc/s320/100_0794.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is my Asian Fan Quilt. Attention was paid to separating the female (fan) prints from the male (base and dark) prints. The split border was half cotton print and half Yukata Japanese fabric.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tdayt2AajP4/UKLluiWRv-I/AAAAAAAAALk/QnrlgJ9OD8M/s1600/100_0704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tdayt2AajP4/UKLluiWRv-I/AAAAAAAAALk/QnrlgJ9OD8M/s320/100_0704.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PeDByRjvamY/UKLlwHlbx8I/AAAAAAAAALs/rdFwNE4-5Bk/s1600/100_0705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PeDByRjvamY/UKLlwHlbx8I/AAAAAAAAALs/rdFwNE4-5Bk/s320/100_0705.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2RcZ4tKBHBM/UKLlxsU-BqI/AAAAAAAAAL0/xsPS7YFhRjA/s1600/100_0706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2RcZ4tKBHBM/UKLlxsU-BqI/AAAAAAAAAL0/xsPS7YFhRjA/s320/100_0706.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sampler quilt made from a Kansas City Star pattern. Blocks are both 4" and 10" with yellow background and a burgandy print lattice. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lkULIUreC-k/UKLmdc7-jqI/AAAAAAAAAME/GRjVHP2bXlA/s1600/100_0707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lkULIUreC-k/UKLmdc7-jqI/AAAAAAAAAME/GRjVHP2bXlA/s320/100_0707.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R0YuiqB8weY/UKLmevWA8lI/AAAAAAAAAMM/eiqGbOJQbJU/s1600/100_0710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R0YuiqB8weY/UKLmevWA8lI/AAAAAAAAAMM/eiqGbOJQbJU/s320/100_0710.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mjafY2Uz2MA/UKLmggRjwqI/AAAAAAAAAMU/HAAbg9ZZ5LU/s1600/100_0711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mjafY2Uz2MA/UKLmggRjwqI/AAAAAAAAAMU/HAAbg9ZZ5LU/s320/100_0711.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02966615032896814341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785605838624359725.post-49136879373780732542013-01-17T08:22:00.000-05:002013-01-17T08:23:34.919-05:00Old and New<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Old and New: I used the time between Christmas and New Years to finish a couple UFO's. The below quilt was pieced by my husband's grandmother and then boxed up and put in storage upon her death. These little quilts were found when cleaning out my mother-in-laws house. So they were all pieced pre-1975.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
All of the fabrics are scraps from dresses, aprons or crafts that Grandma made. Looking at the prints while machine quilting made me recognize how Grandma planned her pieces and arranged each little quilt to be just so. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've been finishing these quilts for my mother-in-laws great grandchildren. This one is finished with a red flannel ombre backing and binding. This quilt had a great deal of red pieces in it so it was machine quilted with a red variegated thread. The recipient is my our grandson. So Colin is sitting on a quilt pieced by his great-great grandmother and finished by his grandmother. We've labeled and documented each quilt.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dfpf0KcO3-A/UPf35FQzs0I/AAAAAAAAAUE/LQbpcZJ9geE/s1600/75301_10151337139374637_1711959217_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dfpf0KcO3-A/UPf35FQzs0I/AAAAAAAAAUE/LQbpcZJ9geE/s320/75301_10151337139374637_1711959217_n.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
<br />
He's also modeling the at onsie's that appears on my Etsy shop. I have little ties for the little guys and lace applique for the little ladies. Lots of choices and sizes are being added daily. Check <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheRAQuilter" target="_blank">here</a> to see what's available.<br />
<br />
Have a great day!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02966615032896814341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785605838624359725.post-73606242475596670352012-12-30T14:38:00.000-05:002013-01-17T08:23:55.971-05:00<br />
I've always felt that the week between Christmas and New Years was a good time to finish old projects and to think of new ideas that could be started. This week I got a couple UFO's (unfinished objects) completed.<br />
<br />
First I finished a tree skirt for my youngest daughter that had the top pieced back in July, but needed batting, backing, a label and decorative thread to finish it. Since she has small children I used child prints and Joy by Kate Spain.<br />
<br />
Next I completed a new quilt for my granddaughter, Cara. Here's a little picture of my sweet Cara and her new quilt. We laughingly call it the Pink, Pink you Stink quilt. It's a basic brick pattern with a pink floral border and backing. I made this quilt (except backing) 100% out of my stash. There are Batiks, Asians, stripes, polka dots, cats and flowers galore.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gf5M020o9vU/UOCTiclBJnI/AAAAAAAAASQ/fBo72xqEXi4/s320/IMG_0371+(3).JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="284" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cara, age 3, with new quilt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gf5M020o9vU/UOCTiclBJnI/AAAAAAAAASQ/fBo72xqEXi4/s1600/IMG_0371+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q-gZ0J3jpfA/UOCOw78lJEI/AAAAAAAAARc/o9H_9rX1ZiY/s1600/IMG_0364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q-gZ0J3jpfA/UOCOw78lJEI/AAAAAAAAARc/o9H_9rX1ZiY/s320/IMG_0364.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Love the dilly daffy print.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5T3Iy5znZ70/UOCO67AtESI/AAAAAAAAARk/pVsuFLRtiw8/s1600/IMG_0363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5T3Iy5znZ70/UOCO67AtESI/AAAAAAAAARk/pVsuFLRtiw8/s320/IMG_0363.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F9pN7754ex8/UOCO-RGt6vI/AAAAAAAAARs/t3Key8nF1_M/s1600/IMG_0365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; height: 261px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 459px;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F9pN7754ex8/UOCO-RGt6vI/AAAAAAAAARs/t3Key8nF1_M/s320/IMG_0365.JPG" width="320" /></a>The polka dot print inner border matches the curtains in her bedroom and makes it a little more cohesive.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d5nWVfvsQ4Y/UOCPCXHQv3I/AAAAAAAAAR0/00LyK67Jdj4/s1600/IMG_0368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d5nWVfvsQ4Y/UOCPCXHQv3I/AAAAAAAAAR0/00LyK67Jdj4/s320/IMG_0368.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rlt-QtiGbKg/UOCPGj6YO6I/AAAAAAAAAR8/VBJUs-9Eyqg/s1600/IMG_0370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rlt-QtiGbKg/UOCPGj6YO6I/AAAAAAAAAR8/VBJUs-9Eyqg/s320/IMG_0370.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The bottom picture shows binding applied on the back and then pulled to the front and sewn with a decorative stitch. I saw this on Amy Gibson's blog Stitchery Dickory Dock and the tutorial is here: <a href="http://www.stitcherydickorydock.com/invisible-machine-sewn-binding-experiments/">http://www.stitcherydickorydock.com/invisible-machine-sewn-binding-experiments/</a>. I need a little more practice, but this saved me HUGE hours of time doing it this way.<br />
<br />
Since we have birthday's galore in the next couple days, I might get one more UFO finished. Wish me luck and may everything you wish for in 2013 come true for you.<br />
<br />
Merry<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02966615032896814341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785605838624359725.post-41164995164027876622012-11-15T10:45:00.000-05:002012-11-15T11:15:47.635-05:00Curated Contest from Sew Lux Fabrics<br />
I've enjoyed the curated collections that I've purchased in the past from Sew Lux Fabrics. When they started a contest for December, I thought why not? I've just returned from a 10 day vacation in Maui, HI and my favorite thing about Maui was the incredible sunsets.<br />
<br />
Here is my choice of fabrics to reflect the sunset:<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02966615032896814341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785605838624359725.post-54398775901082255462012-10-22T16:11:00.000-04:002012-10-22T16:12:45.426-04:00The Alzeheimer's Art Quilt Initiative<br />
Good day to everyone. I have a new link on my blog: The Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative. This is a very worthy non-profit organization. While I may not be qualified to make an art quilt, I'm going to donate a quilt to raise funds. The reason I'm interested in helping The Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative is that I saw my grandfather slowly deteriorate and become lost in his fog. <br />
<br />
My Grandpa Patterson was a vital man interested in everything from farming, to stocks, to politics, aircraft, community planning, machinery and education. Grandpa performed community service via the Lions Club in his area, and at times was the head of his club. Grandpa was one of those guys that if he ever retired he would be lost without something to do!<br />
<br />
Grandpa was a great kidder. He tried to get us grandchildren to say Mississaslopy instead of Mississippi. And he was forever asking if we could spell it. The twinkle in his eye was always the dead give away you were about to be had. You never wanted to get too close to Grandpa when he was in a kidding mood or you might end up with the arm hairs on your arm twisted into tight little tornado knots. <br />
<br />
Grandpa started his days with a shot of whiskey with his coffee, way before breakfast. Whoa betide the grandchild who thought they could sleep until 8:00 or 9:00 when Grandpa was about. Mostly because by then he had been outside working for an hour or two and was back for breakfast. If you missed breakfast you were out of luck until lunch. And everyone worked at Grandpa's even if only for a few hours.<br />
<br />
Grandpa fought giving in to Alzheimer's with every breathe he had. He did not give up easily on driving, no matter how lost he got. He did not give up on going into town and heading to the hardware store, even if in the wrong direction. And he constantly asked Grandma why she sent him someplace that wasn't there. He lost track of how to handle money, and he was as scotch as they come. Then how to dress himself and feed himself. Grandma hired a caretaker to come in a couple days per week, so she could grocery shop, go to the bank or get her hair done. It was the only times she could get out of the house and ensure that Grandpa was safe.<br />
<br />
When Grandpa forgot how to shower and shave, Grandma remodeled the bathroom so it had a floor drain and a shower chair for him. She tried to bathe him and help him to the bathroom. The toll that this took on Grandma put her into heart palpitations and we almost lost her. My uncle and Grandma had to find an adult foster care home for him, close enough for her to visit. Grandma just wasn't strong enough to continue to provide his 24/7 care.<br />
<br />
The adult foster care home was okay. Not spacious like Grandma's place. And they sometimes restrained Grandpa so he didn't wander outside at night trying to find Grandma and home. I was in Florida visiting about three weeks before Grandpa died, and visited him at the adult foster home. I remember thinking how frail this big man had become. Then Grandpa chastised me for being out late and not getting along with my mother. <br />
<br />
Now Grandpa was thinking he was talking to his daughter Kathleen, who was my mother. That's when I finally realized how closely I must have resembled my mother. She died when I was seven years old or about 30 years before Grandpa was having a conversation with me.<br />
<br />
Alzheimer's or as some call it dementia is a cruel disease. It's a mental one that robs a person of memories, learned behaviors and control. I'll do whatever it takes on my part to ensure that I, my husband, my children and grandchildren don't get the disease. If you've lived through the experience on a day to day basis, God bless you for your strength. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02966615032896814341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785605838624359725.post-22542891113679152812012-10-09T17:39:00.000-04:002012-10-14T20:07:55.928-04:00Arthritis!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
Arthritis suffers normally experience one or more types of arthritis. It's rarely a sudden onset disease and usually something that creeps in slowly like fog. Each person reacts differently to how the disease treats them. Most people are familiar with osteoarthritis (OA) that happens as we have accidents, strain on joints or as we age. I started with OA after having an auto accident as a teen. <br />
<br />
Many elderly people has OA or rheumatism, as it used to be called. You can see it in enlarged joints in the hands and fingers. Excercise can alleviate some of the stiffness and pain. Play the piano, use a keyboard, write a blog etc. all exercise the hands and keep them limber as possible. Most days I can "beat" the arthritis and have a normal life, other days are challenge days and make me wish that life was easier.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
I was reading a David Baldacci book <em>Stone Cold</em> and ran across a character description of Arthritis that seemed so relevant. Let me add it here. Remember this is from the book, not my words.<br />
<br />
<div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: blue;">Arthritis. And on top of that the damn [osteoarthritis, rheumadoid arthritis, gout, lupus, fibromyalgia, etc. choose one]. They were a lovely duo, perfectly synchronized to make ...life a painfully throbbing hell. Every bone creaked, every solitary tendon shrieked. Each movement sent a mule kick right to [the] gut and yet he [she] kept going, because if you stopped, you stopped for good.</span><br />
</blockquote>
<span style="color: black;">So many of us feel this way every day. The weather is</span> changing to the cold and damp. Summer is definately gone. There are still too many items on my to do list that need to be completed prior to the start of the snow and cold days. When the arthritis gets bad and you can barely make it out of bed in the morning, it doesn't make you feel better to know that<strong> today is not the day</strong> to get anything done.<br />
<br />
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02966615032896814341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785605838624359725.post-40265522290016527102012-10-09T17:13:00.000-04:002012-10-09T17:14:41.739-04:00Fall has arrived!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
Looking out my sewing room window, I am reminded that fall has arrived in the Midwest. Leaves are flying in the air looking for someplace to rest. Flower beds have died down. Farmers are picking the corn from the fields. The dogs have shed once again to grow their winter coats. It's windy and about 40 degrees. I blanched the last of the tomatoes for the chili simmering in the crock pot. <br />
<br />
I realize that as a quilter, it's okay to have fabric on every shelf, in every drawer and in tubs in the closet of the sewing room. I'll have to corral them another day. Unfinished Objects (UFO) are giving me pause at the moment. I've become a follower of Leah Day's posts at <a href="http://www.freemotionquilting.blogspot.com/p/start-here.html">http://www.freemotionquilting.blogspot.com/p/start-here.html</a>. She has a weekly UFO link up that keeps in the fore front of my mind that I have things to finish that have been set aside for something else. I have been practicing her designs on smaller pieces of quilting and need to get the courage to try one on the crib and twin size quilts I have ready. Her tutorials are awesome and I want to purchase her book, 365 Days of free motion designs, or put it on my Christmas list.<br />
<br />
I made a list of ten (10) projects that have been dropped/stopped for some reason. I opened each bag/box to figure out where I was in the process and what still needed to be done. Did I ever share that I was OCD? If not, don't be surprised when I say that I made a list of the things not done for each of the 10 projects.<br />
<br />
I looked at my holiday giving list (yep another list) to see if any of the UFOs were on that list too. The ones that matched moved to a higher priority in the 1-10 numbering. The second round of prioritization required deciding if/when finished, the quilt would have to go out for long arm services. If yes, then they moved again to the top of the list. <br />
<br />
<span class="go">Here's the list that I have and commit to working on until finished at least once per week:</span><br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><span class="go">Finish chevron quilt and write blog (needs backing, quilting and binding)</span></li>
<li>Labyrinth flannel quilt for Angela (rows need to be sewn together, quilting, backing and binding)</li>
<li>Summer TX sampler & BOM (finish two blocks and sew together)</li>
<li>Quilt tree skirt for Alexis</li>
<li>Quilt & bind twin quilt</li>
<li>Quilt bag and add straps</li>
<li>Finish cactus tree blocks (paper piecing)</li>
<li>Finish binding on Christmas braid</li>
<li>Quilt crazy quilt baby quilt</li>
<li>Finish lone star with quilting, backing & binding.</li>
</ol>
What are you doing about your UFO's? And yes, I could have more than 10 if I pressed myself. I just find 10 is an easy note card placed in several spots to remind me what needs to be done. Happy sewing, enjoy fall!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02966615032896814341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785605838624359725.post-13643996949023789922012-09-07T12:29:00.001-04:002012-09-07T12:29:18.655-04:00Button Swap<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
I ran across a very interesting blog today called Button Floozies. It was a fun read. They are having their second annual button swap. It sounds just like a fun event for everyone involved! I loved the pictures that were posted.<br />
<br />
And, of course, I have tons of buttons to swap. Some from both grandmothers, mother-in-law and other family members. My blue Mason jars are just full of them! Join me in the fun times.<br />
<br />
This is the URL to visit and sign up: <a href="http://buttonfloozies.blogspot.com/">http://buttonfloozies.blogspot.com/</a>. Make sure you send an email and create a post. All the rules and timeline are listed for you.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02966615032896814341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785605838624359725.post-52975831229168063912012-08-15T14:59:00.001-04:002012-08-16T15:17:44.882-04:00RA Ups and Downs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is one of those funny diseases. It is an autoimmune disease that attacks the joints. A person will appear perfectly normal and not sick in any way.<br />
<br />
And then, a flare happens. Swelling of affected joints can occur and the person with RA can barely get out of bed, walk, stand for a period of time, do minimal household chores, get in or out of a car, grocery shopping or other tasks that need done. Unless a person runs their fingers over the sensitive joints in the fingers, toes etc., it hard to see or feel the bumps that are a by product of the damage.<br />
<br />
Many RA sufferers hold jobs, teach, craft, ride bikes, dance, cook, clean and we all exercise like mad to retain motion. Depending upon the severity of the RA, different users get relief from different medications such as Humira, Enbrel, Cimzia, Orencia, Remicade, etc. Pain control can be predisone, Tylenol or something stronger.<br />
<br />
Over the last six years I've learned a some best practices.<br />
<ol>
<li>Exercise every day, even if it is nothing more than walking. It helps with the motion and pain.</li>
<li>Take all medications as prescribed.</li>
<li>Rest and try to get 7-8 hours of good sleep.</li>
<li>Know when to ask for help, especially moving something, lifting something or getting something down from a shelf.</li>
<li>Meet frequently with your specialist and maintain an open complete dialogue. The RA doctor is your newest best friend or as my granddaughter would say "besty".</li>
<li>Document when and why medications are changed including dosages. I keep mine on a spreadsheet on my laptop.</li>
<li>Ask if there are interactions with other medications and possible side effects.</li>
<li>Participate in a national study, if possible.</li>
<li>Interact with others who have arthritis, Lupus, RA, Fibromyalgia or other autoimmune diseases so you don't become isolated and feel alone.</li>
<li>Read everything and learn everything you can.</li>
</ol>
My challenge days normally mean, I cannot sit at my sewing machine for more than 30 minutes and only if my hands are working that day. I want to sew up all of my quilting ideas and stash before I cannot any longer. I've learned to read on a Kindle since holding a book is painful and awkward now. I've learned that the heels I wore when I worked have had to find new homes, I can only get about well in flats or running shoes. And if it zips up the back and my husband isn't around, it just isn't going to go out the door on me. Pain management is an everyday job for someone with RA. Some of us manage better in summer than winter.<br />
<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02966615032896814341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785605838624359725.post-23326452100021695412012-08-05T20:53:00.000-04:002012-08-16T15:19:09.527-04:00Chevron QuiltQuilting has always been the stress reliever for me when I was working, going to school or having an overdose of three teenagers. I spent time deciding on what to make and for whom. I try to choose fabrics that either have meaning for them or that I know they will enjoy. The only times that are especially difficult are cutting things out and hand sewing binding. I try to do those first thing in the morning when the RA isn't making joints swollen and hands hard to use.<br />
<br />I have a desire to create a bright quilt for my youngest grandson, age eight months. And I wanted to use a pin off Pinterest. It gave me the opportunity to use using several fat quarters in orange prints as well as 5 background prints. Note, there are several Florida Gator block since the family follows Florida.<br />
<br />The original pin came from Kirsty @ Bonjour <a href="http://youhadmeatbonjourblog.blogspot.fr/2012/03/tutorial-modern-chevron-baby-quilt-crib.html">http://youhadmeatbonjourblog.blogspot.fr/2012/03/tutorial-modern-chevron-baby-quilt-crib.html</a>. It was so beautiful, I pinned it to make one for a grandchild.<br />
<br />The picture below is the first six rows of a planned chevron design. I made sure that I numbered and tagged each row as it was completed to preserve the design. With dogs, cat and grandchildren in and out, I knew before it was all sewn together they might get messed up.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TLWuG8Ksl9U/UB7kX8FSLaI/AAAAAAAAAE8/QpaRmzzS7XY/s1600/100_0695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TLWuG8Ksl9U/UB7kX8FSLaI/AAAAAAAAAE8/QpaRmzzS7XY/s320/100_0695.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I6O610ypQww/UB7liKbrhoI/AAAAAAAAAFE/B56TlhUNx14/s1600/100_0696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I6O610ypQww/UB7liKbrhoI/AAAAAAAAAFE/B56TlhUNx14/s320/100_0696.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br />The pattern and design is quite beautiful. Although I must have been quite mad to cut out 432 small blocks (3.5 and 3.0 blocks).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br />This is a handful of rows waiting to be pressed and added to the design table.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3uluCvcqIP4/UB7mb_goLCI/AAAAAAAAAFM/j3tnww2a-BQ/s1600/100_0698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3uluCvcqIP4/UB7mb_goLCI/AAAAAAAAAFM/j3tnww2a-BQ/s320/100_0698.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br />These are the last couple rows waiting to be stitched, pressed and then put on the design wall. There are 24 rows of 18 blocks each. If you make this, look at the tutorial that Kirsty has on her blog. I wish that I had! See awesome diagram under the table? Kirsty diagrammed the quilt for visual people like me. Awesome!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uyLsFW5r1D0/UB7nOnhVSDI/AAAAAAAAAFU/qmzYaQi_2ho/s1600/100_0701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uyLsFW5r1D0/UB7nOnhVSDI/AAAAAAAAAFU/qmzYaQi_2ho/s320/100_0701.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
One of the major issues with RA is that everything takes more time than it used to. I haven't been able to sew today since my hands are swollen. I'll spend the day looking or reading magazines, working on this blog or spending time with grandchildren. Once the Orencia kicks in, I'll be back with more pictures and an update. Happy Quilting!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02966615032896814341noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785605838624359725.post-64098694787526423442012-08-04T22:02:00.002-04:002012-08-16T15:17:44.884-04:00Reflections on 2011 & a knee replacement<br />
To be honest, 2011 was not the best year for my rheumatoid arthritis (RA). I was in pain more than I wasn't. I had a lot of work related travel and stress which affected me negatively.<br />
<br />
I finally took the steps and did all my research to have my left knee replaced. One doctor kindly remarked that my knee was trash and replacement was over due. Having RA meant that I would be off ALL of the RA medications which made my life bearable for a minimum of eight weeks (two before and six after). Holy cow! That was going to be miserable.<br />
<br />
As part of the preliminary testing, my family doctor arranged for an EMG test on my left leg to determine if there was nerve damage that would hamper the replacement or ensure that the pain in my left hip would continue after the knee replacement. Minor nerve damage was found. Next test was for extended allergy panel to see if the root of the pain could be there. Ironically I found out that I was allergic to both wheat and chocolate. The allergy to wheat threw me in the mostly gluten free lifestyle. But, after stopping to eat anything with wheat (and the list was long), within two days I no longer had any pain in my left hip. Discussed this undocumented feature with both my rheumatologist and my pain clinic therapist. Nothing either had seen before but believed it could be possible. This lead me to the book, "Wheat Belly", which talks a lot about the mutations that wheat has gone through in the desire to feed the world faster.<br />
<br />
Met with the orthopaedic surgeon again, scheduled surgery for early December and stopped all the RA medications just mid December. There was a family funeral and gathering during this time. A large group for a funeral and Thanksgiving dinner, as we all clung together one last time. The next week there was a hard snow, and I fell on my left arm breaking both forearm bones at the joints and two additional fractures. The only major storm of the year! <br />
<br />
Instead of having my knee replaced, I ended up with surgery on my arm receiving a y-shaped stainless steel plate and five screws. The day before I had surgery on my arm, a new grandson was born that I couldn't pick up or hold due to the cast on my arm. I never realized how many things I used my left hand/arm for until I could not. It was three weeks in a cast, staples removed, three weeks in a splint, ten weeks of physical therapy and weeks of rolling arthritic flares! <br />
<br />
Finally in April 2012 I was able again meet with the orthopaedic surgeon and arrange to have the knee replaced. May 30th was my date. I stopped all the medications two weeks before and settled in for a few weeks of pain. Imagine my surprise that I now know the knee replacement was the best thing I've ever done for my RA. Sure surgery and recovery have pain and discomfort. My doctor had post surgery down to a science. Three weeks in home physical therapy and nursing care! Ice machine and continuous movement machine to improve the flexibility of the knee. Awesome experience! It's been six weeks of physical therapy and I'm walking without a limp, can walk up small flights of stairs without going one step-one step, and I can pick up and cuddle my grandchildren. <br />
<br />
The best part of this is that I've been able to reduce some medications by half! I still take a weekly Orencia injection but the methoxetrate has been cut in half for the first time in six years. I am so happy with the results.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02966615032896814341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785605838624359725.post-44834890723853423652011-07-05T22:00:00.000-04:002012-08-16T15:17:44.881-04:00To Medicate or NotIt's been a long 5 years since the initial flare and diagnosis of Rheumatoid arthritis. The different medications have produced different reactions and side effects at different times.<br />
<br />
My grandchildren have brought home from day care colds, flu and bronchial infections to share with me causing me to stop the current biologic while getting well. Unfortunately that usually means that I never return to a therapeutic dose again before I end up moving to a new drug. I've used all the orals, Humira and Enbrel to date.<br />
<br />
The worst experience I ever encountered was with the new drug Cimzia. My vision blurred, all the joints that hurt already, swelled and got worse, I lost feeling in a few fingers and couldn't straighten them. It was several weeks after I quit the Cimzia before my vision returned to normal and my fingers worked correctly again.<br />
<br />
Quilting and sewing has been a hobby/passion of mine for over 45 years. It's hard to sew or hand sew when the mind says go but the fingers say, 'no way'. Some days I feel like I'm in a race to sew all my fabric before I cannot sew any longer. The projects in my head are begging for completion but the physicality of it places a different reality on things. I enjoy the good days and plan for days that aren't as good. <br />
<br />
It's hard to have to tell a grandchild, be careful, don't hurt 'Ama. Come sit by me, I can't pick you up. Let's read, will you help turn the pages? Let's build something with blocks, but on the table not the floor. 'Ama can't sit on the floor. Let's bake some cookies instead of walking the fields. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02966615032896814341noreply@blogger.com0