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Thursday, July 27, 2006

A few more blocks...

Caritas Bowties - 42 blocks (4 subunits each). I made half of them when I was in Rochester, and Carolyn made half of them while she was in Dallas. So can we say that these ties have been north and south in the Midwest?
Carolyn thought this was a good way to use up some of those reds in our 1930's stash for the backing since they always seem to be too bold in the front of the quilt.Here are Ibby's white & black happy blocks. Note the center square change in my star block (on the left) that I exchanged with her. Remember, she likes to be different? If you don't remember what it looked like before I unsewed the center, go back a couple of posts and see the before version! The block on the upper right is the connector block for these componenets. I'll post Carolyn's, mine and Ibby's all together sometime so you can see the similarities and the differences.

Several people asked about the star block pattern. It is a 12" star with a 6.5" pinwheel in the center. All the star blocks in her book show different centers, but I've done this lots of time before. It's sort of fun to put a block inside a block! It's from Alex Anderson's book, Keep Quilting.

I've been running around a lot this week taking care of Mom. She couldn't get a much needed blood transfusion, so now she's suffering the effects of that. Long story short, she's not doing so well, and much testing is being done this week concerning blood loss in order to be ready for the oncology doctor's appointment next Tuesday. I am worried that this might be a difficult appointment where they tell her there's nothing more that can be done.

It's been sort of like the elephant in the room, where no one is willing to discuss this eventuality. But no matter how much we want to ignore it, there it stands, looking us in the eye.

11 comments:

Andrea said...

I had realized after I posted my comment that the general shape of the star is a sawtooth star. I didn't realize it until I was looking at a book I checked out from the library and saw it. :)

Quilts And Pieces said...

Oh the happy blocks are soooo - Happy! And the bowties look great! I"ve never been much on bow tie quilts, but this one sure is great!

Melanie said...

That bowtie quilt is just beautiful. I love what you did with the backing. My struggle is centering....I never seem to line things up correctly. Hang in there with your Mom. You'll be in my prayers.
Melanie

Darcie said...

My heart and prapers go out to you with the care of your Mom, Sharon.

Looks like you're trying to keep your head above water with your girlfriends and stitching...good for you. You need to stay healthy, both physically and spiritually.

Linda C said...

I love bowties--scrappy or planned, EZ or 3D but have a traditional version on my bed for summer. Yours is lovely.

And star blocks are such fun!

Sorry about your mother's health issues. This has not been a particularly easy summer for you on that front with your mom and DH. My heart aches for you that the appointment will make things worse, even if expected deep down.

The Calico Cat said...

Sorry to hear about your mom's illness...

I love those connector blocks though! (Black & white & bright is so me!) Do you have the dimensions? (I could draft it, but if you already have it....)

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry about your mom, that has to be tough on your whole family. Prayers for all of you.

I hope you can find some solace in your quilting and friends - you have some great projects going!

Susan said...

Great blocks - they all look wonderful! I'm sorry to hear about your mom's difficulties. You are both in my prayers.

Tracey said...

So sorry to hear about your mom. You have my prayers as well. (((HUGS)))

You've been a busy girl...and I'm lovin' the results!

Judy said...

The blocks are wonderful...are you practicing for you "parts" homeowrk or is this part of that?

Sorry to hear that your mom isn['t doing so well. It's hard to get to that stage in life and no matter how much you expect it to come it's always a surprise when it does. I know it was for me. Hugs and prayers to your family.

ForestJane said...

Sometimes all you can do with an elephant is find a place where it can live in your home, and start buying lots of elephant food. And I know it's not much comfort, but it really IS nicer when you see the elephant and have time to prepare for him rather than have one dumped in your lap all of a sudden.