Design Wall Monday - what a mess!

 Ok, it took me until Wed to share my messy unorganized design wall.  I really wasn't going to share for a couple of reasons.  One it really doesn't look like who I am as a quilter.  But then I thought, wait a minute, there were no little quilt fairies that put that stuff up.  But if there are quilt fairies, I must say I have a list of things they can do!! And number two the projects that I really want to be working on aren't there.....maybe this can be a goal for a future Design Wall Monday.  But lets take a little look at whats there.

Everything looks so modern-ish, I like modern but, well looks like I really like modern!  Lets start at the right and work are way left.

We had a workhsop with Frieda Anderson, a year or so before the shutdown, dang still not quilted.  I imagine it will be there a while long, but it is pretty, top right bright pink!  Below that was my backup for our 2019 guild challenge,  A Ribbon Runs Through it.  I wasn't sure my first was going to be the right size, off by about an inch all the way around.  But I begged, pleaded and talked as nice as I could and they let the original in.  This one gonna be there a good while longer.  

Next to those to are the Squash Sqaud, working on #6, #5 is in a little time out, was being too fussy.  Hopefully it willl be back to it's cheery self when #6 is done.  I am just enjoying this so much.

After that is a guild raffle quilt.  We're going to have  Country Jane ( based on Dear Jane, yep we crazye! she's going on the frame soon ) a Modern Lap Quilt, and and embroiderd bag, wow!!!  For the modern quilt, 6 ladies took bags of cherrywood, silk and a little velvet.  They were given a picture of what I was sort of looking for and asked to make 2 blocks each that were at least 16 x 16.  I have all but two left....need to get moving on this one.  This picture below is our inspiration.  We've got a little work to do.  But we'll have something fanstastic I'm sure.

And finally I have two guild challenges.  The top one is a round robin, the medallion could be whatever you want, with in certain size constraints.  The next rounds was curves and now I need to get working on the next two rounds, flowers or hearts (at least 3) then triangles.  Pretty sure mine is the only one without a single stitch, it's all fused.  The other is a paint chip challenge.  You are given a paint chip and can only use those colors. That and you need to try a technique that you've never tried befor.  My technique is free for curves....still TBD is they will be redone or I will add a little yarn couching to it....

Phew, that is my crazy design wall.  

I did finish a couple of things last week....

A Tea Cup runner that last picture shows a spot I forgot a teensy bit of quilting.  This is the main reason for taking so many pictures of custom, making sure you haven't skipped a spot, back on and off the frame in a jiffy!

Look at this edge to edge, so bright and cheery!

Next up,San Marco from A Different Box of Crayons.  Look at that table all clean and spiffy. Want to guess how many rulers and spools of thread will be there when I'm done!  

Don't forget to check out all the linky parties on the side bar, so much inspiration out there.

Caregivers 2020

I know 2020 has been a challenge for many, me included.  Every now and then during a lifetime there are moments when things change the course of a life forever.  Sometimes subtly, sometimes like an earthquake shaking the base of everything that is.   That's how I feel about Covid.  It has taken a grip on the world and continues to shake and shape the way we live our lives.  We are now at a high daily count and the health care workers have an unbelievable task of not only protecting those that are ill and must be cared for but also providing the link to the loved ones who can not be with those that are ill.   This is a story of a caregiver who provided care, compassion and all she could give to her patient.   Halleh Akbarnia, thank you for your compassionate approach to a providing care to those in need.  You helped not only the patient, your co-workers but anyone that reads your story and gave us hope.  It warms my heart to know my daughter works with people who care so deeply and so selflessly.  I hope you can wrap yourself in this quilt made by Kim Rogers and feel the gratitude and love from those who were touched by your actions.

Here is Halleh's story from Facebook

- it is a story for all of us:

I have been an Emergency Medicine Physician for almost 20 years. I have worked through numerous disasters, and I’m used to the daily grind of heart attacks, gunshots, strokes, flu, traumas, and more. It’s par for the course in my field. Yet nothing has made me feel the way I do about my “job” as this pandemic has—that knot-in-the-pit–of-your-stomach sensation while heading into work, comforted only by the empathetic faces of my colleagues who are going through the same. I am grateful for their presence, knowing they are both literally and figuratively with me, that they understand and accept so profoundly the risks we take each day. I also hope that my friends and family forgive me for my lack of presence during this time—precisely when we need each other most—and that they realize that their words, their encouragement, and their small gestures that come my way daily are the fuel that gets me through each day. This is a story for all of us.

I met my patient, Mr. C., on my first real “pandemic” shift, when what we were seeing that day was what we had been preparing for. He was classic in his presentation, his X-ray findings, his low oxygen levels… we just knew. And he was the nicest man I had met in a long time. Gasping for breath, he kept asking if we needed anything, and that it would all be okay. He told us he was a teacher but that he was learning so much from us, and how much he respected what we were doing. The opposite could not be more true.

We had to decide how long we would try to let him work through this low oxygen state before needing to intubate him. His levels kept falling and despite all our best efforts it was time to put him on the ventilator. He told us he didn’t feel great about this, “but Doc, I trust you and am putting myself in your hands.” That uneasy feeling in my stomach grew even more in that moment. But he, with his teacher's steady voice, kept me grounded, where I was supposed to be. I saw his eyes looking at me, seeing the kindness in them, even as we pushed the medications to put him to sleep. To say this was an “easy” intubation is an understatement. It was not. He nearly left us a few times during those first minutes, but he kept coming back. We fought hard to keep him with us. The patience and strength of my team that day, truly remarkable.

I handed him over to my friend and colleague, Dr. Beth Ginsburg, and her team in the ICU, and her calming voice reassured me that they had it from here. And then for the next twelve days, I waited and watched his progress, knowing the statistics, and how sick he was when he got to us. They did their magic, and just yesterday my new friend Mr. C was extubated. I decided to go “meet” him again.

Mr C. was in the COVID stepdown unit, recovering, without family. Nobody was allowed to visit him; even worse, his wife had been home alone in isolation for the past fourteen days, too. My heart broke thinking of how that must have been for her. I cautiously went into his room, donned in my PPE, and when he saw me, he stopped for a second. A moment of recognition.

I introduced myself. “I’m Dr. Akbarnia, Mr. C. I was the last person you saw in the ER. You told me you trusted us to get you to this side. Looks like you did just fine.” He started to cry. He said, “I remember your eyes.” And I started to cry. What he didn’t know is that, at that moment, I realized that we do what we do exactly for people like him, for moments like these. His strength, his kindness, his calming words to me meant everything. At that moment, my heart (which had been beating over 100 bpm since this pandemic began) finally slowed down.

I sat down and we talked. I told him that while he is here, we are his family. He will always have a place in my heart. And whether he knows it or not, he will be my silent warrior and guide as I take care of every patient, COVID or not. He will fuel me until the day I hang up my stethoscope.

(Picture and story posted with full permission from patient)

ETA: I was asked if this can be shared. Please do.

#covidsurvivor #hope #covid19 #advocatehealth #condell #frontliners #inthistogether #heartofaphysician

What a heart warming story from an incredible care giver.  I hope this quilt provides some well deserved self care when needed. This story came at the beginning of pandemic in the Chicago Area, but the message and the hope that was provided is still greatly appreciated.

Quilt made by Kim Rogers and quilted by Kathleen Brown

Grand Finale - 2019 Hands to Help

The quilting Gods were with us on Sunday. We were able to hang all 22 quilts in the backyard.  What a sight!  I love seeing them all hanging. My heart is so full. The love the care that went into making these quilts is amazing. I've seen two caregiver quilts delivered and the reaction from the caregivers touched my heart and will be an experience I will never forget. Such deserving souls need a little bit of self care. We have 10 caregiver quilts, 5 quilts for Quilty Hugs for Happy Chemo, 5 quilts for Carolina Hurricane Quilt Project, 2 for project linus. Thank you all so very much for participating, thanks for fun days sewing like crazy, and spreading some quilty love throughout the world. The world is always a better place when you wrap up in a quilt! 

Half of the quilts

Quilts one and four are for caregivers

the first and fourth are caregiver quilts

the first and fourth are caregiver quilts (I swear it wasn't planned that way)

The second and fourth are caregiver quilts.  Just switching it up a little!

The middle quilt was made by a caregiver

There are 2 more caregiver quilts to be chosen and then I'll split the remaining quilts between Quilty Hugs - Happy Chemo and Carolina Hurricane Quilt Project.  I'll be posting the stories of the caregivers over the next few week.  One of our new members had a great experience with Project Linus so the two baby quilts will be donated to the local Project Linus chapter

That was a record breaking year, 22 quilts for 4 different causes. LOL and you still can see a dent in my stash and I still have a huge bag of strings!!

Don't for get to check out all the linky parties on the side bar, so much inspiration out there!

Final Sew Day for Hands to Help and Care Givers (Helping Hands) 2019

Wow!!!  This, my friends is love. These people spent many weekends making not 20 but 21 quilts! We have 10 for hands 2 help, 10 for caregivers/helping hands (I’ll be sharing their stories over the next two weeks) and one was made for a friend to give to her friend who has cancer. My heart is full. Here are 13 quilts -from top to bottom- Jodi, Liane, Laurie, Veronika, Suzan,Dorothy, Robert, Abby and me. Kim has one out for binding,Kathleen has two being quilted, one for binding and one she made, Greg N Annette donated 2, and Cari has one for binding, Tom for keeping us nourished. AND.....we finished Abby’s improv string quilt today! Simply amazing. Thank you all for the time, the effort, the laughs and the greatest quilt drive yet! We’ll have the full quilt show in two weeks!

It  was wet and rainy out, had to get a group shot in side, I think we did fairly well

The final week of sewing and the machines were humming.  I just expected to finish the two tops that needed to be complete.  Our wild blue, green, orange and yellow strings 

This one is targeted for a care giver

Betty's Majestic Mountains are together

For Betty's friend, - I love how this one came out

And there was a surprise top!  We had the two above completed before lunch.  We still have piles of strings all over.  Abbey had one block completed from last week.  We (well me)  really wanted the blocks on point.  She had an example of one that looked great and before you know it, they had all the blocks ready to go!!!  No pattern, just pure creativity being let loose, love how this one turned out.  And a few more strings were used in the process!

Abby's Improv

Another two quilts quilted since last time

Baptist Fan on Flannel, so cuddly

Hobbs Poly Down, light and fluffy

Issac really likes this one! 

Curly Feathers by Jessica Schick

Hobbs 80/20 Batting

I love this color pink with this color green!

You can see the other quilts in this post  and I'll post pictures of all completed quilts in two weeks when we have our quilt show.  If you're in the Crystal Lake, IL area on June 9 stop by!! We'll have 21 quilts hanging in the backyard and all the team members there.  I'll also have the Rapsody in Blue Raffle quilt there is f you want to see it in person and purchase a ticket or two, we have a few left! Stop by and let these folks know what a great job they did, you can see their work up close and in person!!

Final Tally
Quilts waiting to be quilted -3 
Quilt Completed - 18

Quilts for Quilty Hugs 5
Quilts for Carolina Hurrican Project - 5
Quilts for Helping Hands - 10
Quilts for a team members friend who has cancer - 1

GRAND TOTAL - 21!!!!!! 

A record breaking year!!

H2H and Care Givers Quilt Drive 2019 - Update

Oh they did it again!  This team is absolutely amazing.  Two more quilt tops complete, 3 new ones started, 3 quilted - Wow!! So lets take a look at the finished ones first.  I'm really into the big block quilts this year,  I love this pattern.  My husband saw the quilting pattern and said it looks like turnips or onions.  Well, that wasn't quite the impact that I wanted to have, but it's done!

Quilt pattern is Mesmerize by Claudio Pfeil and Patricia Ritter

So Fine thread on top - Hobbs Poly Down batting

Another big block quilt, these colors just really appeal to me, going to miss this one.  We were working so hard.  Dorthory got this one done, put it on the design board and then right on the frame. We had it the board and said, "yes!! I like it"  Neither of us say the wayward blocks.  Didn't even see the misplaced blocks until I was winding down for the evening.  Yes that's right, *after* I finished quilting it.  There *may* have been a few inappropriate words spoken.  It's a big block quilt and there is just no place to hide, it had to be fixed.  Found my trusty seam ripper and got to work the next morning.  I ripped out the quilting on the two naughty blocks and about an inch all the way around.  Had a good talking to those blocks, got them back in line then hand sewed them back in place. Threw it back on the frame and re-quilted the small space. Ahhhh so much better.  Isaac was very pleased when it was all completed. 

Looks bettter (see picture below)  e2e pattern is Beau Jangles - Apricot Moon Design, Glide thread, Hobbs Poly Down batting

Do you see those naughty blocks?

Yes Isaac, I agree, much better

The last finish.  We've been working on this one for years, doing a leaders and enders thing.  Love how this one turned out 

 A little ruler work,  a little FMQ, a little computerized quilting

Forget Me Not Block 1 - Janet Lee Santeusanio - computerized center

So Fine thread top and bottom, hobbs poly down batting

Then an additional top was finished, the last of the big blocks. I just adore this one.  Kim finished this one. LOL she said she wasn't leaving until it was done!

It looks fabulous!  I see Janice's mini photo bombing this one :)

Three more got started

Laurie and Dorothy hard at work!

Abby was sampling a couple machines this trip.  

Need to make sure they have snacks within easy reach 

This will look great with the navy, wide range of colors is so exciting

this one with the white, a little less range in color, a little more calming 

Blues and a bit more muted, will go with a light grey, even more calming.

Phew, they wear me out!  So where are we in our totals?

Finished                        - 5
Waiting to be quilted    - 4
in progress                    - 4
cut or waiting in queue - 3

That gives us a grand total of 16!!!!  Twice what our goal was. WOW!!! Stayed tuned, these folks are not done yet!  Next get together is April 14. 

Oh have you heard about Country Quilters of McHenry Opportunity quilt?  Our guild pieced the quilt and I quilted it.  It's a queen size 90 x 90, custom heirloom quilting, two layers of batting, Hobbs Heirloom blend and wool on top.  Appraised at over $2700.  If you would like a chance to win, head on over to the on-line ticket sales.  Go ahead, zoom in close, I think you'll like it!  And it could be yours!

Don't forget to stop by the linky parties in the side bar, so much inspiration out there!