Adieu

When I started my blog back in 2009, never in my wildest dreams did I ever think it would evolve as it did.

I have made so many friends and acquaintances across continents, oceans, seas and many in my own backyard who I probably would have never otherwise met. You have  all touched me very deeply and have gotten me through some very dark and scary times during the years.  To each and every one of you, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

After much deliberation, I've come to the decision that it is now time to put my blog to rest.  I will not take it down so that you can still access my many "First Friday Freebies" and BOM's.  Continue to enjoy them.  

I've enjoyed writing every post and more importantly, have read each and every comment that hundreds of you have left throughout the years.  

So from all of us here at The Painted Quilt, Ollie, Frankie, Mr. Painted Quilt and myself, we bid you 'adieu' and as always,

Happy stitching!

An Awesome Gift!

Look what arrived in the mail yesterday from my friend Mary from Quilt Hollow.

It looks huge in the photo above but in actual fact, it measures only 6"x 10".

Mary knows me so well and our tastes are almost identical when it comes to fabrics and themes.  Not too many people know that I collect pineapples, the Colonial symbol of hospitality.  I have several throughout our house, including dried ones.

Mary's longarm quilting is perfection and even the binding is hand-stitched with teeny-tiny stitches.  I wouldn't have expected any less from Mary.

As soon as I'm able, I will be taking this in to be framed.  It's waaaay too precious not to be showcased in this way.

Thank you sooooooooo much, my friend.

Have a wonderful stitching kinda day!

Changes

A recent visit with my neurologist and today with my family doctor confirmed the worst.  I've been advised to not sew for any prolonged lengths of time for fear that further damage could be done to the discs in my lower spine and the nerves within.  Just the mere words sent a chill down my spine because I could not live with that kind of pain again.

As a result, this certainly puts a halt to my hopes of making the Broken Dishes quilt with you all, in addition to any other(s) quilts in the immediate future that require machine work.  Handwork however, is not an issue, something that I'm so thankful for because you all know my passion for handwork.

As a result, we'll be making some major changes to my sewing room.  The down sizing has already begun...again.  I've sold my Bernina 750QE which has gone to a good and 'local' home.  I've also started purging my fabric stash and have either sold and/or given away a major portion.  I've also found a buyer for all my books and patterns.

As you can see, my sewing, quilting and designing career is certainly taking on a new direction.  This by no means that I will give it all up.  Heck, no.  It's only another blip on the proverbial radar.

Hopefully I'll have the desire to pick up my Brinton Hall quilt in the next little while, after the reality of my situation really has had a chance to sink in.

If you've read this far, thank you.  I have no intention to give up and you'll still see me here on a very regular basis sharing both the good and the not so good.

You are all very special me...and those words come from the bottom of my heart.

As always,

Happy stitching!

I'm making myself crazy!

It's a good thing that I've been procrastinating about starting to cut my Cheddar Broken Dishes quilt because it's driving me crazy.

Have a look at these photos that Margie, one of my readers and friends sent me.

  
To heck with the sashing, I say...and maybe even the cheddar will have to be put on hold for another project!

  

I just love this quilt!!!

Happy stitching!

A Little Change

You all know that I L-O-V-E the Cheddar Broken Dishes quilt but as much as I've tried, I find that I'm just not 'loving' the white sashing.  In my mind's eye, the two just contradict one another.

So what I've decided to do is make my sashing out of a medium-to-dark blue Civil War or reproduction print.  I know I'll be more happy with it that way.

Happy stitching!

Another Sew Along?

I L-O-V-E the October 2016 issue of American Patchwork & Quilting!  Not only does it feature an article about Lisa Bongean but it also has a few quilts that have easily been added to my TO DO list.

Well, you know me and anything vintage.  "Cheddar Broken Dishes" is going to be my next quilt.

To quote and paraphrase historian Barbara Brackman, "The maker of this antique quilt incorporated a popular 'four-patch' unit and the name 'broken dishes' came about in the 30's when designer and author Ruby Kim was writing about pattern history.  The pattern of four triangle squares actually dates to the 1780's which is when Americans first started piecing quilts."

I've had this beautiful cheddar yardage that I purchased from Tara Lynn Baisden when she had her online shop several years ago and was just waiting for the P-E-R-F-E-C-T project in which to showcase it.  And if you can believe it, I can make this entire quilt from my stash!  Woo hoo!

This is going to be a very slow one for me because I have to rely on outside help from my friends to help me with the cutting as I still can't stand up without the total aid of my walker.  In addition, my hands still tremble both from the residual effects of the anesthetic from the surgery and not to mention the withdrawal from the heavy duty pain killers I was on for so long.  But things get better every day, including my strength and endurance.

So, are you up for another sew along?  

I'd LOVE your company!

Happy stitching!

Clean again!

Oh happy day!!!

Jenn and Emma are here from Merry Maids.  Our house smells wonderful and is virtually spotless!

Thank you Mr.Painted Quilt for suggesting it.

And they even cleaned, vacuumed and dusted my sewing room!  Bless their hearts!!!

Happy stitching!

I'm home...finally!!!

At the outset, I would like to say that I haven't been ignoring my blog.

I wrote the following post on August 4th from my hospital bed and was able to unload it to Facebook but for whatever reason, I could not upload it to my blog, nor could I access any of my photos.

The good news is that after six weeks, I was discharged from the hospital at noon today and I'm at home...FINALLY!  I'm still very weak and can't walk very far, even with the aid of my walker, but at least I'm at home.  

I promise to be more diligent with blog posts and will keep you updated on my progress.

I truly have missed you all.

Facebook post...


<<  This might be a long post so if you'd like to hear about it, why don't you grab a cup of what makes you happy, come back, settle in and read on.

In the wee hours of the morning on Monday, July 4th, the pain won and I was taken to the hospital by ambulance and admitted shortly thereafter.  Not only was I in excruciating pain, pain that even the pain meds couldn't conquer, but I couldn't walk.

My left leg had become numb and useless for over a month and I had lost the feeling in my right foot as well, making walking a virtual impossibility without Mr. Painted Quilt's help.

I spent two painful weeks in the first hospital during which time they conducted countless tests.  Then on Monday, July 18th I was whisked away to an acute care hospital in Halifax, about 70 miles away.  

After a brief consult with the head neurosurgeon, I was again immediately admitted and was advised that I would be operated on the very next day.  I found out later that the reason why they acted so quickly was because I had become incontinent on Sunday night.  Not only had my legs become dysfunctional, but I had also lost the sensation and ability to pee on my own.

Tuesday dawned and I spent the morning waiting to be transported to surgery. I later found out that I was on the operating table for 5 hours.  

Over the years, the spinal column in my lower back had narrowed to the point where two nerves had virtually fused together which not only caused the pain but also contributed to the loss of feeling in my left leg and partially in my right leg as well.  All the gory details were explained to me the day after surgery and I remember virtually nothing of that conversation because it took me about 4 days to fully recover from the anesthetic and the accompanying hallucinations. 

The best news is that I'm PAIN FREE for the first time in two years.

So now I am in the third hospital where I've started extensive rehab in order that I may walk again.  I still haven't got all the feeling back in my legs as yet but the doctors and physiotherapists are confident that most or all of the feeling will return over time.  I will probably have to walk with a walker for the rest of my life and if those are the cards I've been dealt, then so be it.  That little fly in the ointment certainly won't prevent me from shopping for more fabric...right?  *wink*  I'll just have to get one of those walkers with a basket!

I don't have a time frame with respect to how long I'll remain here before I can safely return home.  I'm working hard with my rehab team and am hoping to be home before too long.  I now feel strong enough to 'play' on the computer, do the newspaper crossword puzzles daily and I might just pick up some hexies to work on that I had prepped before this ever happened.

So if you've read this far, please accept my humble thanks.  You all know how much your support and caring has meant to me over the course of the last couple of years.   

I am ever so grateful for all my blogging and Facebook friends. My greatest wish would be that someday we could all meet at a quilting retreat and sew, laugh, eat and tell stories to our heart's content.  Who knows, huh?  Sometime wishes do come true.

Please continue with your thoughts and prayers because I know that they have contributed to my recovery.


Be well, sew lots and I'll touch base with you again soon.>>

Still Here

Gee, I just want to say that you all are the greatest.  

It seems like when I'm at my lowest and I haven't posted in a while, so many of you send me an email to ask how I'm doing and hope that I'm okay.  I know I've said it a thousand times before but I want to thank you all again from the bottom of my heart for your thoughts, prayers and concerns.  I wish I could put into words how much I appreciate each and every one of you who takes the time to read my blog and stay in touch.

I have debated whether I should mention anything at all but because of your expressed concern and loyalty, I've decided that you you deserve an explanation as to where I've been and why I've been so quiet lately.

Those of you who have been following me for a while know that I was diagnosed with cancer six months after moving to Nova Scotia back in 2010.  About a year and a half later in August of 2013 and after extensive chemo and radiation, the bones in my left hip fractured as a result.

To make a long story short, I've had two failed hip surgeries on the same hip simply because the bones in that area are too weak making it virtually impossible to attach the necessary apparatus that would keep my hip together. Because of this, the next surgery will involve bone grafting, something that I hope and pray will never happen.

The hip surgeries left me with my left leg being about 1cm shorter than my right leg.  1cm might not seem like a lot but when it comes to the body's physical structure, it's enough to throw one's back and lower spine out of alignment which accounts for the excruciating pain that I've been living with on-and-off for the last 3 years.

The last couple of months have been a nightmare.  I've been housebound for the most part because I can't stand erect for more than 30 seconds at a time, nor can I take 10-15 steps without my legs giving out.  If I didn't have my walker to support me, I wouldn't be able to do even that because I have no feeling in the bottom of my feet.  Sitting doesn't bother me but I have to get up and "walk" around at least once an hour because I'm afraid of blood clots.

I don't know what I'd do without Mr. Painted Quilt.  He's my rock and I rely on him to do virtually 98% of the things I used to do around the house which both he and I now realize was a lot.  My "disabilities" have put a lot of stress on both of us and for this I ask you to keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

With the help of pain meds, I have managed to get the pain under control which is a huge blessing.  Next, we have to find the cause of the swelling and lack of feeling in my lower legs and feet.  My doctor seems to think I'll be admitted to the hospital some time soon in order for them to do more "work-ups".

Needless to say, there hasn't been too much happening on the quilting or sewing front.  Last week I did manage to make a couple of placemats using fabrics from my "A Vintage Autumn" collection for my couldn't-have-asked-for-better next door neighbors, Charlie and Martha.  Two more wonderful and caring people you'll never meet.

And that's my story.  I'm sorry to have burdened you but as I said above, I think you warrant an explanation.

I'll try to keep you posted as things develop and as I'm able.

Happy stitching!

What's Under My Needle

After completing three quilts in a relatively short period of time, I feel the need to take some time off from the sewing machine and pick up some much missed handwork.

The three quilts that I'm referring to are the school house quilt...

The "Stopped Me in my Tracks" quilt...

And the table topper quilt made from my "A Vintage Autumn" fabric collection.  

~  *  ~  *  ~  *  ~  *  ~  *  ~

I fell in love with Rita Hodge's 'Daisy Chain Quilt' the first time I laid eyes on it.  

Rita's blog is called Red Pepper Quilts and just click HERE for the link.  Be prepared to spend some time there because she is one of the most prolific and sharing quilters I've come across in a long time.  

Yesterday I went internet shopping for the supplies I'll need to get started on my version of Rita's "Daisy Chain Quilt" and will force myself to wait patiently till they arrive before embarking on the long journey.  I've already made one EPP (English paper piecing) Grandmother's Flower Garden quilt and am sooooooo aware of the time and work involved.

  
In the interim, I'll plod on with my Brinton Hall quilt.  

The center medallion is done and it's here where I'll start to divert from the original design and change up a few things.  

And what's under your needle today?

Whatever it may be,

Happy stitching!

"Stopped Me in my Tracks!"

Stitched with L-O-V-E and the fruits of yesterday's labor, my completed...

"Stopped Me in my Tracks" quilt.

I loved it the first time I laid eyes on the original and I love it even more now.

My original inspiration.

For those of you who missed the original posts about my 'love affair' with the quilt that literally 'stopped me in my tracks', click HERE for the link to the blog post which contains the downloadable, printable PDF file and instructions as to how I made this quilt.

Enjoy!

Happy stitching!

Another Flimsy!

Another flimsy finished.  Yikes!!!

Not a half an hour ago I sewed the last stitch on the fall table cloth that I told you about in my last post.  McCall's Quilting offered a FREE ebook PDF download and one of the patterns is called Scrappy Dash, similar to the one I just finished.

My favorite block is the churn dash.  I don't know why I just can't leave well enough alone but I decided to add sashing strips and cornerstones to my version and opted out of the 2" border that frames the churn dash blocks.  *sigh*  More work but more to my liking.  

My version finished at 51" x 51" which is a perfect size for our kitchen table.  It doesn't look square but it is.  It's just the angle from which I took the photo. 

I made this using the fabrics from my first fabric collections, A Vintage Autumn and Vintage Blacks.  

The colors are rich and luscious and I can't wait to have this gracing our kitchen table come the fall.  Both versions of the original pattern are definitely fat quarter friendly and if you'd like to purchase a fat quarter bundle of my fabrics, just click on the link to my Etsy shop HERE.

Click on the link HERE for the McCall's FREE patterns.  Hopefully it'll work. I had to join their site before being able to open the document so don't be surprised if you're asked to as well.

Enjoy!

I think I need a vacation!

Happy stitching!

Next Up?

Whenever I finish a project, I like to take a couple of days...or longer...to unwind, relax and decide what to start on next.  I was going to pick up where I left off on my Brinton Hall quilt which I had set aside when we decided to do the quilt-a-long for "Stopped Me in my Tracks". 

I just LOVE to use quilts as table cloths on our kitchen table and when a cute little churn dash, fat quarter friendly pattern appeared in my McCall's Quilting feed on Facebook this morning, the wheels started to turn.  Finishing at 50" x 50", it'll be a perfect size for our kitchen table.  

It was my intention to make a table cloth from my just released fabric collections so out came a fat quarter bundle of A Vintage Autumn and Vintage Blacks and the cutting began.  

Who knows, I might even start the piecing tonight! 

If you'd like to purchase a fat quarter bundle of my fabrics, just visit my Etsy shop by clicking on the link HERE.

Oh, and did I mention that the pattern was FREE?  

I'll be sure to share the link to the pattern once I've made it.

Happy stitching!

A Flimsy!

I sewed the last stitch in my "Stopped Me in my Tracks" quilt top yesterday afternoon so now, it's officially a flimsy!

I absolutely L-O-V-E it and it's everything and more than I thought it would be...simply stated, serene, calming colors and beautiful in it's "less is more" elegance.  Thank you all for lighting the fire that convinced me to do a quilt-a-long now rather than later.

As you can see from the photo below, it's a large quilt.  I decided to stop at 5 rows x 5 rows making it finish at 88" x 88".  That's plenty large for our queen size bed.  There's ample drop on both sides and at the foot of the bed and my personal preference is to not have a quilt with pillows rolled under it like a bedspread.  This is the main reason why I stopped at 5 sections or rows.  If you like that look, then by all means add the 6th row!

If this is your first time here or if you missed my original post and you'd like to make this quilt, just click HERE for the link which will take you to a downloadable PDF file with the instructions and grid layout.

And how are you making out with yours?  

Remember, it's not a race and I hope that you're all enjoying your journey making yours as much as I did mine.

Happy stitching!

Giveaway Winner!

Thank you all so much for playing along and for your kind and heartfelt comments with respect to my Mother's Day giveaway.

  

My Mom taught us all that it is more blessed to give than to receive and how right she was.   I L-O-V-E to give and share.  I only wish that I had enough fabric to share with all of you!

Sooooooo, without further ado, The Painted Quilt blog winner of my Vintage Autumn and Vintage Blacks fat quarter bundles is Carole Yeon.

I'll be sending you an email to get all your info, Carole.

Happy stitching!

Give Away!

Giveaway is now closed!

In my Mom's memory and on this Mother's Day, I'd like to give away a fat quarter bundle from my new fabric collection.

  
The bundle will consist of 27 individual fat quarters from both lines, A Vintage Autumn and Vintage Blacks.  The entire line is shown in the photo below.

To enter, just leave a comment here.  

I'll do the random number thing on Tuesday when I'll announce the winner.  If your email address is not in your profile then I'll have no way of reaching you and your name will NOT be included in the draw.  If you're unsure as to whether your email address is in your profile, just add it as part of your comment. 

This is open to my international friends as well!

Happy stitching!

New Fabric Collections!!!

They're here...FINALLY!

My two new fabric collections, "A Vintage Autumn" and Vintage Blacks" are finally in house!  

Can you just imagine having 27 bolts of fabric just sitting here waiting to be cut into?  

Be still my heart!!!  

I can't remember the last time my old ticker beat this quickly!

I am offering fat quarter bundles for sale in my ETSY shop.  One listing is for the main line, "A Vintage Autumn".

The second is for the "Vintage Blacks".

And the third is for both collections.

Click HERE for the link to my shop.

And please click HERE for the link to a free quilt pattern that I designed using my new fabrics!

So much excitement for this old gal!!!

And for "local" Nova Scotians, both "Avonport Discount Fabric Center" in Avonport and "A Needle Pulling Thread Quilt Shop" in Digby are also carrying both complete lines. 

Can't get any easier, huh?

Happy stitching!