不在中国....Bùzài zhōngguó

 Can you read Chinese? No...well the title says Not in China......

These are my new tools/gadgets. Malltoon Quilted Hexagons Templates. I ordered from this Chinese company because they sold different sizes. (Missouri Quilting offers only one size.) Anyway, I had been checking the tracking number and as of yesterday it said it is awaiting USPS partner for pickup! As you can see they have arrived. They range from 3 1/2", 5 1/2 " and the largest is 7" ..the finished sizes.

The sure make hexagons easy. This will be my next quilt...all centers will be floral only with occasional solid colors scattered around. The size will be a small throw... maybe crib size. I think I will be using the middle size which finishes at 5 1/2 inches. As with the Cathedral Quilt there will be no batting. You should feel how heavy that quilt is! This will be a throw for the living room.

So, you are asking what about the Cathedral Quilt...

Today I will be finished with the edging triangles. Then on to the binding. Yes, I could have used finished edge triangles, but I wanted the edge to be sturdy. This is going on my bed. And it also will be hand sewn on....I know it would be quicker and easier to use the Singe, but I want it to be completely hand sewn. I am so happy with the outcome with this project. Dianna's is almost finished then we will take a picture. 

On Friday I saw the Cardiologist...the glue is working so no further treatment at this time. Now onto the disc surgery...October 3rd. I will be starting the pre-op testing soon..... again. I did this all in May for the heel surgery.  With luck, and if I can stay out of harms way, this will be all for me. Thankful for Alan and Lisa helping me through all this.  Time to get back to my sewing.... well first I have a banana bread to make. Alan and Lisa's friend is visiting later today...Patrick loves my banana bread. Good chatting with you. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. Thank you for your friendship. I am so lucky!

Glue in my veins

 Yes, you read the title correctly

The original appointment was for VenaSeal on my right leg...veins are healing so they checked the left leg....and there was the  vein that needed to be glued. Did you know that was even possible? Well it is. After a time the glue...medical glue... is absorbed and the vein is sealed. The open vein causes the blood to flow incorrectly. Now my blood is going in the right direction! This wrap will come off today and a compression sock will be my fashion statement for the next 2 weeks. Yesterday was a 10 minute walk every hour until bedtime. Friday we will see if the glue did it's job. Murphy was not happy with this activity!

Up next on my medical escapade is surgery to remove a disc in my back and fuse a bone.... that will be October 3rd. I am hoping for an outpatient visit, not an overnight stay. With that done I should be all fixed.... key word is should. In the meantime, I am happily working on my quilt...

all 286 squares with 273 windows are complete. Now are the triangles...66 of them... that frame the entire quilt edge. One long side is almost complete. As much work as this hand sewn quilt has been, it is so relaxing and to say that I am very pleased with the outcome is an understatement. A dream from 1991 finally being accomplished!

The templates for my next quilt are still in China....but USPS is awaiting pickup....

Last week one of the potatoes on the counter began to sprout eyes. What to do? Well plant them of course and they are growing in my bedroom garden. Soon I will have a nice vine or 2 or 3. Then there was the tomato.... we were having BLTs and when I cut the tomato the seeds had sprouts! So, of course I planted that also.

I marked the shouts that are growing...I just plopped the seeds and their gel into this pot and covered it not bothering to clean the debris out. I was not sure if they would sprout and they did. 
Alan is re-organizing the garden. Everything had to be removed from the walls and some portable plants/decorations were removed so the painters could complete there job. It has been so hot and humid that he will be taking his time. We are back into triple digits. Monsoon will soon be gone and the humidity with it. 

I am on limited duty for now so chores will be put aside...oh gee wiz, I am so disappointed!...not. Always happy to chat with you. Thank you for your kind words and thoughts, and of course thank you for your friendship.

Love gadgets

 I know...I have been MIA (missing in action) again. I am still dealing with medical issues that weigh on my mind. Tests...doctor appointments...procedures....just has been getting to me mentally. Anyhoo....I said I love gadgets. Whether cooking or baking and especially when crafting, I can not resist a tool that will make a task easier and more enjoyable.

Have you heard of or seen Applipops? It makes perfect circles for applique. I bought the set and they came in this ice cloth pouch for storing. You can see the 3 sizes that I made...there is a smaller one but too fiddly for me to try right now. Fun! One of these days I will need to make these....practice makes perfect.

I can not resist adorable scissors...most any scissor

Just look at these cuties. I also have tweezers by the same company. Let me just say, they are very...very sharp. Can not help but smile when I look at them. Had to order on line (Annie's catalog) as the quilt shop did not have them. I am excited...waiting for my next tool to arrive for my next project. Stay tuned.

For a short time, Murphy and I will be confined to my room...the HOA painters are here. They finished the front now they will be in our patio to paint. Havoc for Murphy. They are painting across from us in the front. Once they start the back Murphy will be allowed out of the room. Happy that they will be finished today.

Nice to chat with you...thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Catching up

 Last evening we had a lightening show with thunder but sparse rain in my area...some Arizona spots has real rain. The wind was whisking around lots of dried stuff...Alan now cleaning it up so Murphy does not take any of it inside. He collects debris.

This is the width of the friendship quilt ....now I will add to the sides until it fits how I would like it. I love the look. It is just a coverlet....not a bedspread size for my daybed. I smile when I look at it! some of the windows are favorite project memories, and then there are those that some of you have sent. My goodness it is getting quite heavy. I now have it on the sewing table to work on as my shoulder is still not completely healed. Dianna was here this past week. Her wall hanging Cathedral quilt is just about finished. She is deciding on what next. We enjoy our weekly sew and lunch. Dianna found us a couple of Plumeria plants. There is no indication of which color but we do not mind. My plant is currently hiding in the lanai because of the storm and winds. I also read that they can be indoors with some care. For now it will be moved out for sun and back for shade. This afternoon Arizona heat is murder.

Murder did I say.... while getting fabric for a baby quilt...the pink roses and green fabric....

I spotted the crow print. It is fantastic! Had to get a yard for I do not know what...but I love crows and with chandeliers! Also spotted the needles. They are just what I have been looking for. Always fun to come home with goodies. The baby quilt ...as you may have guessed...is for a little girl. Her dad works for Alan. The pregnancy has been labelled high risk with a few scares along the way. Please keep this family in your thoughts for a healthy birth.

Healthy? when it refers to me...well I am healthy just recently having this and that. Tomorrow I will be having an injection with sedation...fun times. The pain in my back is caused from a disc that is pinching a nerve. Not sure how my rest of the day will go, so keep me in the easy time thoughts. Glad to catch up with you. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Progress

 Our monsoon season has gotten a good start. Last night Lisa and Alan sat out on the porch watching the lightening show. We have had some rain, hopefully more soon to come. When I was living on the East Coast and it would rain, it was oh no. Living here in Arizona and it rains it is yeah...more. Such a difference.

Oh why not another added

"thing" for me...a boot to sleep in! This is to continue to stretch the heel. The surgery itself is almost heeled. I still cannot sleep the entire night in it as it hurts the heel. Imagine if you can, A sling on the right arm....a boot on the right foot.... I am the walking wounded! I am looking forward to the days of no soreness and the ability to do more.

The life of Murphy.... his spot on my our bed. If I can stay long enough from injuries and surgery, I will have Michelle the trainer return to work on a few things. Murphy has taken advantage of my limits.

My quilt is growing fast. Just 2 more rows for the width then it will be adding for length. I am so enjoying this project. I am thankful for the fabric sent to me and so far everyone is represented and it is repeat time for the windows of received and stash pieces. When I look at this quilt I smile and feel the friendship sewn in. Dianna and I continue our weekly sewing session. We sew...have lunch ... then sew again. We have known each other for almost 15 years! 

The House Faerie has not arrived so I guess I will be doing the swishing and fluffing. So nice to chat with you....thank you for your kind words. Thank you for your friendship.

Meet Alfie

 No wonder I get got confused. I have several things going on right ow and a doctor for each issue! Monday I went  to the doctor thinking it was for my fractured shoulder....no...it was for the Achilles surgery! While that doctor is pleased with my healing, he suggested a compression anklet and a sleep boot. Alan ordered. Returning will be my decision or if something happens...not that we are going to let something happen. The doctor mentioned that I need to be in a bubble. He was not very pleased at all with my sandals. No..not support and told Alan I needed a good pair of sneakers. so off we went to get a pair of cross training New Balance. Tomorrow is the doctor for the shoulder....and not too soon. 

This is Alfie Ambrosino... Bobby's kitty. The quilt is the one Dianna is working on. Alfie, like Murphy cannot resist claiming these quilts as soon as they are put down! Haven't seen Dianna this week, looking forward to seeing how much more is done. Did I mention we are already planning our next one?

Yesterday was the 5th anniversary of my Dennis' passing. Amazing how the time rolls on by. I look back and my heart is filled of memories we collected with 48 years of marriage. I just thought we would be together forever.... we are in my heart but I do miss my hand in his, missing his smile and laugh, just everything about him. 

Very nice to visit with you today....thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

My helper...not

 Oh we are having a heat wave....an Arizona heat wave...(to the tune of Having a Tropical Heat Wave). Temps are high already and Monsoon is starting. When I woke at 5am it was 93...going to 112. Now 101 at 10am! Murphy only is going out to do his thing and right back in. Me? I am going to the sewing table. Yesterday Dianna came for quilting and lunch. Always enjoyable time and good conversation. 

Dianna's quilt will be a wall hanging. She is making it all in floral print so the fabric she brought me are flowers and I shared some floral print with her, I forgot to take a picture...next visit.

Prime delivery  late yesterday was this...what is it you ask?

A wool zippered tote that contains 

A wool pressing mat and silicone piece to put under the mat while using. A new cutting mat. My mat is about 30 years old.  I have been told how great the pressing is with these mats. Also in the tote was

A  pouch containing pins, tape measure and scissors. Don't you love getting new stuff for sewing.....  

Murphy, the helper...not... immediately took care of the box it arrived in. He loves tearing it all up! He also thinks the quilt is for him...

and yes, I did give him belly rubs! We are...I mean Alan and Lisa are still on vacation arriving back on Tuesday. Across the courtyard friends Robyn and Dave have been checking on me.... nice to have good neighbors friends. As for an update.... depending on when you ask, I am doing really well. Then there is the moment when I unintentionally move my shoulder...yes still wearing the  stupid sling... and then there is pain. Pacing myself and paying attention to what I am doing helps. Of course my heel is still healing..... I am a walking injury!  This has slowed me down...Alan is always telling me to slow down.  

Okay friends, time to sew and stay on iced liquids. Right now it is iced coffee and then it will be water for the day. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement, and thank you for your friendship.

Windows and squares

 Well now, it has been awhile...I am still here.  Still wearing this sling, still limping (right knee) and still not sleeping much. To be honest I don't sleep all that good anyway but turning on this shoulder can certainly wake me immediately. I am becoming quite good with some things using my left hand. I am trying to figure how this fracture will heal with only this sling. Did I mention it moves constantly? I know, stop complaining. There are others with more to deal with. 

We are currently having heat advisories in Arizona. Yesterday was 105 and the forecast says maybe 110 by the weekend. Back in Rhode Island it is much more comfortable...why am I telling you this?

Alan and Lisa are in Rhode Island visiting family. Here is The Brother with his daughter Elyssa and her daughter Natalia. Alan's smile says it all. They left on Monday and will be back on Tuesday. Murphy and I are on our best behavior. They made sure I had plenty of food and easy things to prepare. 

Of course in between chores and such I have been working on my quilt. It is now 144 windows and 81 squares big, There are no repeats  of fabric yet. Included are windows from friends....their names are listed on the sidebar. I still have pieces from them to add in with my additions. The quilt measures almost 40 inches square Once I reach 13 squares (in a row)wide then I will begin to add rows only to the top and bottom until I reach a length that I want. . I still have a way to go... many more windows. Thank you friends who have sent me windows! Your names are on the back side behind your window.

I love to visit with you all. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. Thank you for your friendship.

There was a lady named Beatrice.....

 Hello my friends. Still slowly sewing on my quilt. I sew a little then I rest my hand and shoulder adding windows  I go along. I was told to wear this sling 27/7 and I am, but counting the days that I may take it off. I am trying to be a good patient.I am learning to slow down.

Next is to attach another strip then windows. I work going around and when I reach the width that I want I will then only add blocks to the top and bottom to make the length. Yesterday I added another Dianna and a piece of fabric from long ago...the 80s. Stop snickering, we all have pieces of fabric that we just save.

There was a lady friend who taught me to quilt. Her name was Beatrice Angell and we met in the early 80s. The piece added in her name is the blue arrow one which is also in the pillow. It is a pattern from the book, Scrap Quilts and called  Star of the Orient. This pillow is sewn by hand and both sides are the Star in different colors. Bea was a beautiful quilter. She also made quilted vests. She encouraged me at all times to try.  Every hand stitch reminds me of Beatrice.

I ordered a 10 yard bolt of muslin from Jo Ann's and it arrived yesterday. I still have yardage from the start, but wanted to be sure to have it on hand to be able to keep going. If you look to the sidebar on the right of my blog page, you will see the names of those who sent pieces of fabric for the quilt. So far one window from each of them is in the quilt. I will continue to add them here and there and write their names on the back. 

Now who do you think sent pink scrapes and a pink poodle????

I am so grateful and happy to include these pieces of fabric from everyone and have their name on the reverse side behind the fabric window they sent. Such a variety to choose from. I still continue not to select a print. I just pick out of the bin and sew it on.
 

I finally found a home for my "older" Singer...the one that served me well for years. It will be given to a sewing student at a small quilt shop that does not have a machine of her own. Happy to help someone out. Erica, the shop owner said she always has someone who can't afford a machine. Lisa and I will take it to the shop later today. Our weather has really heated up...in the high 90s to 100+. I think it is time to make a container of iced coffee. 

There are chores to do but I would rather sew! Glad to show you the quilt and tell you about Beatrice. I wonder what happened to her..... thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship.

Updates.....

Pleased with how it is going but will be 24/7 for 5weeks more in sling. the fracture is too high on the shoulder for casting and he does not recommend surgery. I also saw the cardiologist. My Blood Pressure was low as was my heart rate. Back to daily taking my BP. I am building a reputation at the CORE Institute. All my surgeons are with this group so when I went to check in, the girl had this funny expression after entering my info. Yes I said, I was just here for Achilles surgery....my plan is to work through all the surgeons!

My arm is still very bruised and so very sore. Did I mention the doctor said I can sew slowly on my quilt...as long as I do not use the arm just the hand wrist. As much as I do not like and hardly ever take narcotic pain meds,  this is one time where I do at bedtime. This sling is not very comfortable and I spend lots of time adjusting it. It is what it is.

I got mail....from Kathy Harris. Thank you so much for the lovely selection. Another name on my friendship quilt!

Dianna came to visit on Wednesday. We had lunch and she learned how to make the Cathedral Quilt squares. 

 

This is her first block. A block is 4 muslin squares and 4 windows. She chose the specific prints for the windows because of our lunch. I made an assorted greens salad and the choice of add ins including edible flowers. Our next stitch time will be in a week or so. Can't wait to see her next block.

Here is the quilt so far....loving it!

 

Okay, enough typing. Need to rest so I can stitch.....

Always happy to have you stop by. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. thank you for your friendship and adding to my quilt!

New sewing tool....

 there is nothing more dangerous than a dull blade on the rotary cutter. Finally my blade was starting to skip. While in the quilt shop to buy a new blade I noticed . . .

an ergonomically Olfa cutter. Wow, it certainly is smooth and easy on my hand. Still cutting and will be cutting squares for some time so this will be great. 

It is growing... I sat outside on the lanai this morning sewing. Starting to warm up more so back instead.  The wind is pretty steady today. Also I wanted to cut a few more squares. I switch from doing one thing to another on the quilt so my hand gets a rest and my foot is propped up. 

 Sweet Lisa brought me tulips for Mother's Day. She is most thoughtful and I am lucky to have her around. We certainly have a lot of laughs.

I was asked if I still need  window squares....YES. I will be making at least 600 muslin squares. A block is 4 of them and in that block is 4 windows. Once connected to the next muslin square another window is added. Alan has  informed me I will need at least 2400.....and that is the low side! I think I will be in the fabric bin gathering some more fabric to cut.

Our rose garden is still blooming. We have 4 bushes and they are doing really well. The garden is looking so nice. A few things are in bloom and soon more will be. The bees will be very happy!

Okay, think I will rummage through the bin....

Glad you stopped to visit. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship....and the window squares!

                      Hello from Murphy!

Some assembly

 May.... how fast the time seems to be moving. However, I am finding my quilt project very relaxing.

I switch which part I work on and that keeps it all interesting. I began to assemble some of the squares and I love it. I grab from my small bin of windows and that is what I sew in.... no planning. It is all sewn by hand.  I find it very satisfying.

These windows are from Adele K. Thank you so very much...lovely selection. Thank you to those who have sent me squares. Dianna brought me fabric pieces the other day before we went for lunch...

Can you spot the cat? Dianna and Bobby have 3 beautiful cats so of course having a cat from her to sew into the quilt is a must. There is another piece of fabric with cat face outlines.

Oh, it is so nice not to be wearing the boot! Now to loose the limp. Still cannot wear a closed shoe....but I hardly do anyway. The heel and calf incision are still sore/sensitive to touch. The surgeon did prepare me for the months of healing and everyone heals differently. 

Hope you are enjoying the Cathedral Friendship Quilt project updates. It is interesting to see what fabrics are sent...love them all. Glad we had this visit and I hope you will return. Thank you for your kind words and thank your for your friendship. Thank you for sending the squares of fabric!

Mail arrived

 It is always nice to get mail...fun mail. This week a package

This is what Cynthia sent to me! Four lovely pieces of fabric! Here is what they will look like when added to the quilt

I will have plenty to fill in as I go along. Thank you so very much Cynthia T. I am enjoying the slow hand stitching and will be making more squares today. 

We celebrated a birthday this week..

What better way for her to celebrate than with a horseback ride. Following the ride, Alan and Lisa had lunch t one of their favorite places, The Tonto Grill. 

My heel is showing improvement...everyday it is better. I still wear the boot when out. Hope by next week to start wearing shoes on both feet! I will be soon wearing out all my left foot shoes. I miss taking Murphy for walks. We both need the exercise. That is my goal starting next week... in the morning when the ground is still comfortable for him to walk. Our temps have been in the 80s to mid 90s and the sun really heats the pavement.

Time to get cutting squares and then pressing and stitching. Glad you stopped by. thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Making progress

 What a lovely day....until later when the afternoon winds arrive. But really, no complaints. On Monday I saw th surgeon. He is very pleased with my progress and I can start to wear shoes. Of course they must be open back/slip on type but basically that is what I own anyway. The aches are getting better as is the pressure in my heel. It will still take months more to feel really good. I am exercising and doing my own PT with the approval of the doctor. 

What have I been doing? I have started my Friendship Cathedral Quilt squares. Windows will be later.I have 12 that are ready for assembly, working on the next 12 today, sewing them into shape. This hand sewing that I have been doing is good therapy for my hand (since surgery).  When I asked for fabric pieces for my windows, I did not say...any color or print in cotton. At least 2 1/2 inch or 5 inch square. Once they are sewn into the blocks I will put the name of the friend who sent it on the backside.  Anyway, thank you for those who will be sending.

Last week was fix it or replace it week. The Garden umbrella  (2 yrs old) broke.... the garbage disposal (21 yrs 0ld) broke and of course my new phone which I somehow locked and could not open. Alan and Lisa got 2 new umbrellas, Alan replaced the disposal and the Verizon guys fixed my phone. Never a dull moment around here. Once again, I am very lucky to have Alan and Lisa here to look after things.

Always a pleasure to have you stop by. Thank you for your kind words and for the encouragement. Thank you for your friendship.