... and it seems ages since I last was in blogland - actually, it's been a bit over a month, but life continues and despite not being able to make it here, there has not been a dull moment in the Hill.
Surgeries, emergency trips and hospital stays have brought their challenges, but thank God, there is nothing that will come to us that we cannot deal with. And in the midst of all the ups and downs, beautiful creations have come along and made it to some gifts. Ongoing projects are still ongoing, just at a snail pace.
With all the adventures coming at once without warning, I found a new appreciation for a sketch pad. Doodling helped pass time, whether it is practicing FMQ designs, sketching patters that I hope to make into a quilt one day, or even paying homage to under-appreciated salads. I also learned about the connection between sketches and smiles. I delighted in finding something in common with a lovely, talented niece.
And in one of those life downs, I just have to mention our experience with hospital food, particularly when it involved my father-in-law, who had a particularly hard time digesting the never-ending parade of carrot, broccoli and cauliflower side. I decided to leave a little reminder of his favorite food items, so that he didn't miss them when the tray was not at hand's reach. He always says that carrots are good, as long as they come in a cake... Seeing him smile when he saw the drawing was priceless; he even brought it back home! Something tells me, however, that he won't have it on display on his desk...
Some time during January, I was able to cut fabric for the 2015 Craftsy BOM sashing. Well, it all started back in October, when it seemed that I was actually going to be able to keep up with Jinny Beyer, but the border print has been cut and patiently waiting for over two months now to get its frame. Today, this is where I'm at:
It's definitely not a huge step ahead, but at least I'm a bit ahead. At some point, I shall find time to share the other beautiful paper-pieced flowers that will live in this gorgeous quilt.
Some weeks ago, I shared about a runner on the making. This is a very special quilt project for me, because Mr. Fuzz was involved in it and stayed close whenever I was working on it. I would like to think of it as a joint project. I decided on the pattern, based on a new book I got. He chose the main fabric and I got some solids to work around it.
Well, today, that project is almost complete. I cut fabric for the binding and decided to use a scrap strip that was leftover from the blocks. I thought it would give a nice pop of color. I think it only took me about 30 minutes to cut, fold, iron and sew it. It's now draped over the ironing board. The final touch is missing; I'm debating on finishing the binding by hand or by machine.... One will let me go and work on other projects, while the other method will allow me to enjoy the process longer - such difficult decisions in a quilter's life!
I miss blogging and sharing; I miss creating constantly. Sometimes I miss curling on the couch with a good book. Interestingly enough, I feel that I am still enjoying life. I thank God for his blessings and the opportunity to live a new day.
I hope you have a fantastic 2016, full of blessings!
Yiya