Yeah, I know, the current phrase is “Nailed it”, but for me, getting that package on it’s way was a big deal. For example, I had a popcorn popper ready to return, with labels, in the trunk of the car for a year before I moved it to the stash of giftables we keep tucked away. But then, it wasn’t as important as the stuff I was sending.
I kept track of the box and let my daughter know when it had arrived, since it wasn’t at her actual home address. I had suggested she wait to open it til she was with our aunt since it had something for both of them. She didn’t appreciate that, especially since I told her I hoped her curiosity would get her to Aunt’s sooner. I have not heard anything. Wonder when I will. Lesson learned – get the address of the person and mail direct. I’m sure she doesn’t realize how interested I am to know how it is received, while at the same time, not wanting to be invested in something I told them to feel free to pass on if they don’t want the item. I have not seen this aunt in many years. There was a break in family relationships, and I simply haven’t been in her area, exacerbated by distance in our moves, and tight funds during med school. I tell her happy birthday on facebook, and this year she said she missed me. I miss her, too. A quilt doesn’t make up for the personal, but it is, to me, a very special gift for her. I wanted to wrap her in love.
I have memories of my grandmother working on quilts on a wood frame she would set up in the living room. I have her treadle machine tucked away till we have a place to put it. I remember when the families got together, it was common for quilts to be put on the floor as beds for us. Our “pallets” they called them. A line of cousins on quilts. It was fun to look at a quilt and recognize a piece of an old dress or shirt that had been worn by one of us. Occasionally, she would purchase a special fabric, like in one quilt I ended up with that has a name and the state of Texas. – Think there was a divorce so somehow I got the quilt instead of the person. If you know anyone named “Marilyn” from Texas, I have a quilt they might be interested in.
This week has seemed different. One thing, daughter is finished with clinical rotations. FINISHED!. Now is focus for practice comp test this week. She is studying. She also worked three night shifts this week. And really exciting—- the kid stayed healthy and in school all week! She is in a blossoming stage again. I always thought she would like Karate, even though dance, soccer, and cheer leading… did not work for her. She was younger. She didn’t want to wait her turn with the ball, or stand in line to learn a step. Well, she started a free Karate program a couple of weeks ago and loves it. It goes slow, so I am surprised, but she is excited and engaged, and taking practice punches at me – her favorite part.
I was down to the last two rows on the first angles quilt, when I decided to make a dress. Let me tell you, I have often given into the desire to make clothes for me and it has rarely worked out. I am trying to follow a class, but first thing, I didn’t want to make the version of the pattern that they are making. I want the one with sleeves, which I’m sure will be a lesson in some other class. So, anyway, I am running the class in the background for anything I can learn, but I am off on my own tangent. I was a bit more comfortable taking on the challenge now because of the bolts of fabric that were in the basement when we moved in. I’m using a nice weight cotton that I have washed a couple of times,not a color or pattern I would usually select for a simple dress for myself, but I am kind of enjoying this one, since I can see it fitting with my slightly boho, modified cowboy boot, style of the moment. But I am ssslllooowww since it is always such a trial and having to think about it all. Sizing is almost always a problem. I miss my quilt time.
I will get back to it soon. The angles quilt was a bit of experiment too since it became more than it started as (see previous post) and I am using a poly batting for loft, when I normally use cotton. I wanted to try it. This was the perfect quilt for it.
UPDATE: I wrote all that above several days ago…. Since then, the gift quilt has been delivered to my Aunt and she was “thrilled.” Daughter had already opened the box, but didn’t tell me she likes her sweater till she could finish the job with aunt. Then, she went and first visit aunt was asleep, then she was eating. I asked that my daughter hang out and give it to her. In the meantime, I told her about the “love you” hidden in the quilt stitches and she was tickled when she found one. She sent a pic of my aunt with the quilt on her lap, confirmation I guess, and it was a new feeling to see her and to see the gift quilt with someone.
Plus, the dress is done but cannot be worn as is. I will probably try to figure out what to do, since I seem to love a challenge more than shopping. The neck is a Vee and is too low and gaps open too much! I may even cut it to have a skirt and over-shirt/jacket type thing. Or I may decide I have much more interesting projects to move onto. Can’t stand a waste of fabric though, so something will be done with it.
All of the machine parts of the Angles #1 quilt are done! Binding is on and ready for the hand sewing of finishing. Here’s a picture, but again, the Michigan sun is not cooperating.
Speaking of weather, I guess I ought to mention that we went and got some tomato plants, hopefully patio friendly since our sunniest spot is on and next to the front porch. The kid has wanted to have something and we love tomatoes. She had fairy garden thing and we sprouted seeds, but they were not going to survive where they were planted, so we moved those, and some seed balls she made on Earth day, to planters. BUT, the weather turned very cold and rainy again, so, they are inside on the sewing/craft table since it is the closest spot to the window yet, safely away from the dog favorite viewing spot. But I have plans….. I have picked my next quilt adventure on what will fit in what cutting area I have left, since the weather will probably stay this way all week. So much for that planting excitement!
Side story on the tomatoes… I said I had tried before without much success and Indigo started laughing. She remembers when I put them out while we were living on the island. They were trampled by sheep and goats that were hired to “mow” the yard. And by the cows who came to visit. This picture was shortly after we had moved in this place, before the “mowers” visited. The owner would build a little when he had funds, therefore the outline of another building, island style. Pumpkins grew abundantly on it’s foundation. And to the side there, is a star fruit tree and a mango tree.
Since I showed you the backyard, let me share the view from the front porch. That is the lovely Caribbean Sea. This isn’t my most colorful picture, but in many of the beautiful sunset shots, the Sea begins to blend in to the sky.
I miss it. I had considered returning someday, but the school and the community I knew there is gone. In the States, we hear about Hurricane Maria, the category 5 that devastated Puerto Rico, but it hit Dominica first, full on, before it ever got to other islands.
Well, enough writing and reminiscing for now. Looking forward to getting into the fabric that is waiting on the crowded plant/sew table!
Love you! Trust all is well with you.
Cathy
Busy Cat Studio 