Friday Finish! Sarah Jane's Quilt

I'm whooping it up over a finish that isn't really my quilt at all, but I've been hand quilting it for more than three years now, so I'm celebrating all the same.

One of my dearest friends, another Jenny, lost her dad very suddenly four years ago this summer. It was a terrible shock, and a nightmare situation. Not long after, Jenny and her siblings were helping their mom, Sarah Jane, go through things in the house and trying to decide what to keep, what to give away, and what to throw away. As you do.

They came across a quilt that had been pieced and sandwiched and marked with a little bit of hand quilting done. Jenny remembers her mother taking a quilting class in Paris. Jenny was in college in Ohio a the time. Sarah Jane asked her to buy fabric for the class since it is so much more expensive in Europe. Jenny picked out fabrics in colors she loved and sent them to her mother.

Sarah Jane shared that she enjoyed the piecing but, when they got to the hand quilting, realized she didn't enjoy that part at all. Boy, can I relate! She had put the quilt away and forgotten it until the great cleanout of 2014.

Jenny brought me the quilt and asked if I could find someone to finish it. Although I like hand quilting about as much as Sarah Jane, and I'm only marginally better at it than she was as a complete beginner, I couldn't bring myself to rip out the hand quilting that Sarah Jane had completed herself. I decided that I would finish it for her as a gift of love.

The quilt became my project for car trips and vacations. It's been on several college visits and to at least six states. 

As I quilted, I simply followed the path Sarah Jane had marked for me; once it came time for binding I was uncertain. A quick visit to Thread Bear Fabrics offered several options, and I popped in at our guild's retreat for help deciding. I settled on this diagonal stripe in a soft blue. It's not exactly a match for those 80's colors, but I think it works nicely.

Although hand quilting is not my first choice, I did come to appreciate the quiet time with a quilt in my lap thinking of and praying for Jenny and Sarah Jane and their family. 

I'm so glad to have finally finished this quilt and returned it home!

What are you working on?

Off Topic - Snowflakes

Twenty-five years ago this month I became a mother for the first time. It was such a brief moment that most people missed it, but I was forever changed.

That cold January morning, just a few weeks after a positive pregnancy test made us laugh with surprise, I woke up in a pool of blood and knew it was over. The trip to the emergency room only confirmed my worst fears. Our baby was gone before we got a chance to know him.

Another miscarriage eleven months later sent me running for a support group, where I learned words for the snarl of emotions I had tried to tamp down deep inside me for a year. I named my babies, partly to avoid calling them "the first one" and "this last one," but also because they weren't interchangeable. They mattered, they changed me, and they changed my whole world.

The group saved me just by letting me tell my story and say what happened to me. I had to say it out loud enough times to accept that it was real and that I wasn't crazy and that it was okay to be sad and to grieve. I listened to so many other women's stories, always a little stunned at how many different ways there were for the world to come crashing down. I started writing poetry and, somewhere along the way, I grew attached to the imagery of our babies as snowflakes. They are tiny, unique, precious...and too soon gone. I even made a snowflake quilt to represent all six of my children.

That's why it bothers me so much that the word "snowflake" has been adopted and used in such a denigrating way. Somehow, this natural wonder has become an insult to hurl at others when we don't agree with their position or don't understand their feelings. Every time I see it (because you almost never hear it said aloud to a person's face - we are so much braver hiding behind our keyboards) I cringe, especially when it's said by someone I know and like and used to admire.

When did it become a bad thing to recognize people as unique individuals? When did it become selfish not to agree with everything the group believes?

This insult is so often used to describe people about the age of my children. It's become about participation trophies and not being tough enough. Do the people who use this tired refrain ever think about the fact that the kids didn't ask for the trophies? They didn't buy or hand out the trophies. It's my generation who grew fearful as parents and tried to protect our children from every danger. While we may not have gone about it in the healthiest way, you can't question the instinct or the blinding love that motivated this cultural shift.

Are the kids not tough because technology and science have found ways to prevent needless illnesses and deaths? Are they wimps because they rode in booster seats until they were well into elementary school, or did we simply learn how to better protect children in car accidents? Are they less durable than those of us who survived before bike helmets and baby monitors and break-away cords on window shades? Maybe we should ask some of the bereaved parents who fought for increased regulation in hopes that their children didn't die in vain. Maybe we should talk to the inventors and scientists who worked long hours trying to find a way to stop senseless injuries and deaths.

I think the biggest problem in our country today is not that people think they are one of a kind; in fact they are. The biggest problem is we've forgotten that everyone else is, too. Why do we recognize our own distinct traits but try to group everyone else by race or gender or religion or which football team they cheer for?

I hope the next time someone uses my favorite image to hurt someone else I will be brave enough to ask why treating each person as a unique individual is so threatening. I hope we can have a civil conversation and try to find out more about each other's point of view. I pray that, little by little, we can draw closer to one another by hearing each other's stories and recognizing that no two are exactly alike.

#TBT - Throwback Thursday - Bless US

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It's Throwback Thursday here at Quiltin' Jenny, and I hope you'll link up and share your own creative adventures from your pre-blogging days.

Today's project is one I started on retreat with my BQF Pam back in 2002. She was trying to teach me how to paper piece, and I started with the flag and then moved onto some simple letter patterns. It was right around the first anniversary of 9/11.

After piecing the words, I moved on to the dove and decided I was done. I'm still not a huge PP fan, and the idea of making any more blocks or making a bigger quilt than this out of PP is not appealing. I decided it would be fine as a small table topper or wall hanging and slapped a border on it. Then I quilting it with wavy lines, bound it, and called it done.

Pam asked me if I meant for it to say "God bless us" or "God bless the U.S."  She thought if I meant the latter, maybe I should embroider a small, cursive "the" in the red space next to "U.S." I kind of like the double meaning, so I left it the way it was.

It's hard to believe it's already been thirteen years since that terrible day. I realize that my children, although they were all alive then, have no real point of reference for before...only after. I also realize that I have several quilts and blocks that were made in the aftermath where I was processing what had happened in our world. Quilt therapy strikes again.

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#TBT - Throwback Thursday - The Old Fashioned Way

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It's Throwback Thursday here at Quiltin' Jenny, and I hope you'll link up and share your own creative adventures from your pre-blogging days.

Today's quilt is one I made back in 2001 for a new baby. This baby was extra special because her parents had suffered three miscarriages before her safe arrival. Their doctors were having some trouble pinpointing the exact problem and, just as they were about to start with some fairly invasive treatment, they found out that her mama was expecting her.

We rejoiced, and I set to work making a quilt. I decided to use all 1930s reproduction prints and plain muslin. The whole thing was just six simple pinwheel blocks, sashed in muslin and bordered with half square triangles. I did crosshatch quilting on my machine, and loved the simplicity of it.  I named it The Old Fashioned Way.

In honor and memory of the baby's three siblings, I also made three miniature versions of the quilts to donate to SHARE Atlanta's 5Bs Project. These blankets, bonnets, booties, buntings, and bracelets are donated to local hospitals with a "Survival Kit" for newly bereaved parents. 

I never realized how many of my quilts were made for these subsequent babies after a loss until I started keeping track of them this way. I suppose that they were at least as therapeutic for me to make as they were for their families to receive. Once again, quilting heals us.

Now I want to see your blast from the past.  Link up and let us all see!  P.S. Did you know that you can use pictures from your Instagram feed with InLinkz now?

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#TBT - Throwback Thursday - Triple Irish Chain

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It's Throwback Thursday here at Quiltin' Jenny, and I hope you'll link up and share your own creative adventures from your pre-blogging days.

Today's quilt is one that I made back in 2001 for my friend's third son. I told you the story about her first little boy, who only lived a brief 36 hours, and her second son, for whom I made my very first quilt. That summer, when Gracie was one, my friend delivered son number three.

In eager anticipation I made a Triple Irish Chain quilt out of bright primary colors. The squares finish at 1". I thought I might go blind or crazy before I finished, but it turned out to be quite nice. (Unfortunately the photos did not!)  I used an extra wide polka dot binding to finish it off, which I love.

By a twist of fate, this precious boy arrived on his oldest brother's sixth birthday. As you can imagine, emotions were running high and the tension was palpable, which made the joy at his safe arrival even more overwhelming. Even in this terrible picture I think the relief and happiness and gratitude are obvious on my face as I held him for the first time, wrapped in his quilt. Once again, quilting had saved me, calmed me, when my mind and heart were in turmoil.

Can you believe this sweet baby boy turned thirteen last month? His birthday every year is bittersweet, but a reminder of how blessed we are each and every day.

Now I want to see your blast from the past.  Link up and let us all see!  P.S. Did you know that you can use pictures from your Instagram feed with InLinkz now?

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#TBT - Throwback Thursday - A Week at the Beach

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It's Throwback Thursday here at Quiltin' Jenny, and I hope you'll link up and share your own creative adventures from your pre-blogging days.

Today's quilt is one I dreamed about for a long time before I made it, and then had the top done for years before I had the nerve to machine quilt it. I believe it was finished around 1999-2000 while I was pregnant with Grace. During this time, I was quilting a lot and feeling very contemplative about this one last subsequent pregnancy.

I have always loved blue and white fabrics and log cabin blocks. When I first started quilting, I had trouble picking more than about three fabrics for a quilt. I couldn't envision how lots of different prints could play nicely together. This quilt was my very first attempt at a "scrappy" look. I had so many blues in my stash already, and took a chance since I loved how they looked on the shelf together.

The quilt was inspired by the lighthouse print that I also used for the back, and the yellow is from my first lesson on hand dyed fabrics.

I knew I wanted to quilt this with an all over pattern, but had very little experience and no confidence in FMQing. Finally, after quilting the Mother-In-Law Quilt, I used the same roll of Quilting Made Easy to do a clamshell design.

I called the quilt A Week at the Beach, and wrote the poem below about how being pregnant after a loss reminded me of our visits to the ocean. It was a true example of how quilting is therapy for me.

Subsequent pregnancy is like a week at the beach...

My love and desire for you are blinding,
like the flash of the sun off sea and sand
so overwhelming 
that to bask in the warmth of its glow
is to risk being burned.

Off I go, full of hope and fantasies,
imagining a perfect experience - just like in books!
Every moment of joy has a mirror image
when I feel I am accomplishing nothing, 
that this will change nothing.

Time is warped and strange.
One moment I look up to find the trip is halfway over;
later I realize that what feels like hours
has been mere minutes.

I catch myself both dreading 
and anticipating the ending,
"what if"-ing myself to death,
wondering and dreaming.

And when the end finally comes
I am exhausted but fulfilled,
flooded with memories,
even thinking about how the next time will be even better

At the same time I vow not to go again.
I stagger home, finally,
grateful to be in my own bed once more.

And then, of course, sometimes it rains.

 - Jennifer Greer

Join up so we can see one of your classic creative projects!

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#TBT - Throwback Thursday - Pocket Full of Prayers

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It's Throwback Thursday here at Quiltin' Jenny, and I hope you'll link up and share your own creative adventures from your pre-blogging days.

Today's quilt has a very special story behind it.  Nine years ago, my friend Lisa was rushed to the emergency room because of numbness in her face and a terrible headache.  After several days of panic, worrying about an aneurism or a stroke, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor and scheduled for surgery.

Her group of friends pulled together and did what we could.  We brought dinner, we ferried kids, and we drove her to chemo and radiation.  Mostly we prayed.  We prayed together in groups saying the rosary and we prayed alone in the early morning hours of Adoration.  We prayed hard, and when it was over and the tumor was gone, we rejoiced.

Unfortunately, that joy lasted less than a year before the tumor was back.  When we found out that it had returned and that Lisa would have to leave for The Brain Tumor Center at Duke University in a matter of days, I turned to the one thing that helps my heart when it hurts.  Quilting.

Gracie's note to Lisa

I sent a mass email to all of Lisa's friends and asked them to bring me little things: prayer cards, notes of encouragement, religious medals or relics - anything they thought would make Lisa feel our love and prayers surrounding her while she was far away.

I had seen this envelope quilt block on Simply Quilts with Alex Anderson, and immediately started cutting out the pieces.  Within 48 hours I had the quilt together and a huge collection of items to put in each little pocket.  As each person came to see the quilt and bring their contribution, we shared stories and hugs and a few tears.

Lisa loved the quilt and all of the messages.  I hope it comforted her during the next three years of constant travel to and from Duke, chemotherapy, blood draws, hospital visits, and dealing with insurance companies. 

Lisa died four years ago last week, the morning before Halloween.  Sometimes I still can't believe it.  I was so sure that she would be the miracle. 

I learned so much from Lisa in that five years about attitude and determination; even the doctors were baffled at times by how she just kept going.  She was a wonderful friend, an awesome mom, and a true inspiration.  I miss her so much!

This quilt is perfect for letting someone know how special they are to you.  It is easy enough for a true beginner, and would work for so many occasions, especially when words are not enough. 



 



Now I want to see your blast from the past.  Link up and let us all see!


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Menu Plan Monday - Recovering from Retreat

It's Menu Plan Monday and I'm trying to recover from our awesome retreat weekend.  I had a great time and got so much done, NONE of which was laundry/grocery shopping/cooking/cleaning.  Now I'm paying the piper for my mini-vacation, and glad to do it.  First on the list: Menu Plan Monday!

My user name on My Fitness Pal is QJ2013 if you want to be friends.

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• Sunday - dinner out to celebrate FIL's birthday
• Monday - Sweet and Fiery Pork, brown rice, oven roasted green beans
• Tuesday - Mini Class Night at the High School- kids get leftovers
• Wednesday - Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats, yellow rice, salsa
• Thursday - Grilled Chicken Kabobs over quinoa
• Friday - Football Friday! We'll eat at the game
• Saturday- Pollo Sabroso, leftover yellow rice, tossed salad

What's on your menu?



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WiP Wednesday - Ready for Retreat

I'm linking up with WiP Wednesday over at Freshly Pieced.

Today is less about a work in progress and more like a packing list for retreat this weekend.  It's always a challenge to figure out how much to bring.  

• Batman's quilt - catch up to the Star Surround Quilt Along
• Spiderweb Blocks - these are perfect leaders and enders for anything else I'm working on
• Hexies - a good hand project for late night talks
• QOV Block Drive Components - like the Spiderweb Blocks, these are great leaders and enders.  I have eight more foundations already cut, so I'd like to get those all done and mailed off to Alycia.
• Social Tote - this is a long shot, but I am bringing the supplies just in case I run out of things to work on. 

 

Today I'm also making my mini pressing surface (ala one of these tutorials from Oh, Fransson! and American Quilting) to bring along.  I spray painted my table yesterday; today I covered it with the Insul-Bright and fabric.  It took no time at all and is just what I wanted!

Notes:  I used Krylon Indoor/Outdoor Satin spray paint in Island Splash.  I cut a layer of Insul-Bright about 1 1/2" bigger than the tabletop and a layer of home dec weight fabric about 3" bigger than the tabletop.  I staple gunned it down and voila!  It probably took me longer to buy the supplies than to make the whole thing.

I'm so looking forward to my retreat weekend.  I think some time spent sewing and hanging out with friends is just what the doctor ordered!




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Star Surround Quilt Along - Building Block Surround

I'm trying to get back into my routine after the emotional upheaval of the last week.  Luckily I have people around me who are helping make it okay.  The Pit Boss took me out for Chinese food and then we watched Identity Thief and laughed our heads off.  The #twilters have been giving me cyber support for days.  

And then my BFF took me out for lunch and a pedicure.  I was thinking of getting a nice crimson, but then I saw the name of this Opi polish - No Room for the Blues - and had to have it.  She also brought me a little present.  It's an Alabama jelly watch set to Central Time.  Seriously?  Love you all!

 

I haven't been sewing so much because it's been busy, but I took the time to complete the next step of the Star Surround quilt along.  We're building the outside parts of this block, and I'm getting so excited about how it's turning out!

All in all, I'm hanging in there.   I've talked to my boy and he sounds good.  Each day it will feel a little less strange, and eventually we'll get used to our new normal.



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