I'd like to introduce 3 more care givers

I have 3 special caregivers to introduce, one of which is the inspiration for the care givers drive.  They are all so special and dear to me.  I'd like to introduce Amy, Steve and Allison.

Amy is a nurse and works in the emergency room at a local hospital.  Her job is caregiving in critical circumstances. But that's not why I nominated her.  I nominated her for the work that is above and beyond her job.  For the last two years her and a co-worker run a program for high-school students at the hospital.  The students come to the hospital for a semester and learn all the different areas of healthcare.  These kids want to be there, less than 10% that apply actually get in.  The work that she does to not only show them the field of nursing but making sure all other aspects of career opportunities are exposed. This provides a wealth of  knowledge as these Junior and Seniors make very critical choices that will be with them for the rest of their lives.  Some come and solidify their choice, some see new doors open that they weren't aware of and some learn the health care profession may not be for them. All very important learning no matter which way it steers you.  For this caring for the youth and the generation that will someday lead this nation, I thank Amy.  Keep doing what you're doing it's wonderful impact on the world.

Simple but with a big impact, that's Steve

Next is Steve, a physicist.  Steve has always cared for my dad in ways that none of the other kids do or can.  It's just in his heart.  He does this from the East Coast when my dad lives in the MidWest.  He makes sure he gets to his Dr appointments, he makes sure his Gym membership is up to date.  He talks to him weekly and visits multiple times a years.  He's helped to make sure that dad stays connected and finds good things on the internet from time to time.  Words just can't describe what he's done for him and at times I"m not even certain my Dad knows or appreciates it. But that doesn't stop Steve.  He's driven from deep within to care and there is nothing that can stop him.  I have felt that care myself many times.  Thanks Steve for all you do, you make a difference in this world.  Well I didn't have anyone taking pictures as it was a bit of a surprise that they actually came out and I was able to give to him personally.  You can see which one he got. Thanks to Arlene for grabbing some pictures.

It was so nice to deliver n person in Georgia,

The inspiration for the Caregivers Quilt Drive

And finally Allison. The inspiration for the caregivers.  Allison is away studying to be a clinical psychologist in FL.  As part of her PHD program, she does counseling.  Her areas of speciality are suicide, alcoholism and substance abuse.  She works at one of one of the state  psychiatric hospitals.  One day I called her and she was a bit down. When I asked, she had a hard day with one of the patients.  It was then that it just hit me. Yes, all the cancer patients and those that need quilts for health issues or reasons we may not know, bless them they are valid. But what about those that care for the people with Cancer?  With Mental Illness?  They do this day in and day out.  They need a bit of self care. They need to understand how to recharge, rejuvenate from the thing that they can't help but do - care.  So one third of our quilts this year went to caregivers.  As a small and simple way to say thank you, you are making the world a better place.  And to provide just a tiny bit of self care when it's' needed.

To all the caregivers, not all are in the healthcare profession, thank you for all you do.  The world is a better place because of you!! If there is a special care giver in you life, just let them know you notice, you see it and you appreciate it.  That goes a long way!

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!

Quilting Marathon!!

Phew, that was some weekend!! I can't believe how much quilting got done.  These wonderful people did it again, they used every inch of the design wall and two tops got finished with the rows of two others sewn!  Look at this, just amazes me how much they do. Hands 2 Help 2019 we are making it happen over here!

I just love these big Blog patterns - 2 tops complete 

we used the entire design wall.  So sorry I didn't get a picture of the spools, it will be wonderful when all those rows will be together

I really am just enamored with the big block quilts this year. We started working on three today!  We had our heads scratching a number of times, especially on the one with the dark blue background.  Then blocks went missing, then found and missing again.  Perhaps we learned three at time might be a bit too much!  But I LOVE LOVE LOVE them.  There's only one more that is cut and ready to sew.  I think we might want to recover from these before starting that one!

Betty gave us block to finish the quilt, we need to do a little planning here, Kim and I were thinking of the wood pile blocks in the guild  opportunity quilt.  But it's going to look wonderful when it's done

These are Betty's blocks.  She has a friend who has cancer and we are trying to finish this for her.  It's going to be beautiful when it's done!

Hared workers!!  Little bit of a different configuration with Loretta down there

Last one stitching!  Had to pull her away for lunch

Every machine was in use, they were humming

 Every machine was spoken for today, they were all going, these folks were so motivated today and their hard work paid off!!

As usual, Tom put out a great spread.

Where would we be without Tom?  He always takes care of us!  He wasn't there last week and believe me we noticed!!  So wonderful to have him there today.  Even though he's not stitching, he is definitely a key part of our team. 

Jodi blinded but all the beautiful brighness of the fabrics

 Jodi is working a quilt that is filled with sunshine.  She's using a Missouri Star Quilt Co pattern.  The creativity in her is overflowing!

Isaac letting Liane know how much he appreciates her effort, he's cheering her on!

 Isaac joined in the fun too, he was there always encouraging everyone and looking for a little love in return.  He was so proud of all the team members. 

Isaac looking for a little love among the hustle and bustle. Veronika giving a little cuddle, hard to resist. 

Here's the stats - our goal is 8, stretch is 10

• Quilts completed              1
• Tops completed                4
• Tops in progress               3
• Tops cut                            5
• Kathleen is taking strips   1
• Annette is making one      1
• Grand total                      15

I also had my first machine rental this weekend.  So while Loretta was busy quilting with someone else (yes there was just a hint of jealousy seeing my girl with someone else!) but then I moved over to April (my Millie) and the world was good again.  I got this sweet table runner completed using the new Circle 2 (circle squared) rulers from Quilting It and these rulers are amazing!  I know these are going to be used on a regular basis, love them!!

perfect colors to match with my family room.  It amazes me that these were picked and sewn over a year before we went with the new color scheme. 

I have two wonderful quilt finishes that I can finally share, but I want them to have their  own post so check back in later this week.  So  much quilting going on over here.  It's heaven!!

OH almost forgot - raffle ticket on sale now for this beauty made by the Country Quilters of McHenry and quilted by me!  Tickets are $1 each, or 6 for $5.  A few options for paying - Paypal friends and family (the business account charges a fee), Apple Pay, send a check.....once payment is received I take a picture of the tickets filled out but before detaching and placing in the hopper.  It's an incredible quilt, appraised at $2725!  And it could be yours.  Just leave a comment and I'll get back to privately about paying options.  I'll be at the Quilt Festival in Chicago on Thursday March 28, selling tickets in the morning, white gloving in the afternoon. Stop by and take a look, it's so much better in person.  Double batting Hobbs Heirloom Blend and Hobbs Wool.  Heirloom quilted, cotton sateen on the back (unbelievably soft).  Tickets now available!!

Take a look at the linky parties in the side bar, so much creativity out there!