Thursday, January 15, 2015

Life. Interrupted.

I don't post much about my personal life. Typically there isn't much to post. My husband and I lead a pretty quiet, calm and good life. I have thought a lot about whether or not to post anything about this. . . Because I have been absent from reading and commenting on blogs and posting here, I am going to post a bit of what has been happening over the past couple of weeks.

I posted last week when I announced winners to my 1 year anniversary that I unexpectedly had to travel. . . Quite honestly, I couldn't have imagined having to make a trip back to MN for this reason. . . On 1/2 my nephew was killed in a car accident. He was on his way to work. It was a devastating phone call for me. I was in high school when Shawn was born. He lived just miles from our house. We spent SO much time together. He was 'my' boy. :) We went through a LOT together over the years. There was the time he dove into a lake in MN. . . flew back to AZ and I met him at urgent care. . . I ended up spending several days at Barrow's Neurological Institute as he had broken his neck! The doctor there was amazed. He had flown half way across the country with not just broken but shattered C4 and C5. . . (I think that is right, it was the lower part of the neck). The amazement was that the doctor said there was no reason why he shouldn't be paralyzed. He was a risk taker. . . a thrill seeker. . .  a rebel. He had literally broken pretty much every bone in his body. Motorcycle accidents caused many of his broken bones. With all of this, who would have thought that, on a Friday morning, his life would be cut short driving to work. No one. He was really getting himself together. He had started a job with the railroad. He was a conductor and loved it. I had spoken to him on New Years day. I am so happy I got the chance to tell him how very proud I was of him. When a loved on dies unexpectedly, having regrets of lost opportunities to share with them the pride and love you feel really sux. There was much more we could have said, but at least I got the chance to tell him how proud I was and that won't be a regret I struggle with in the coming years.

So I got back home this past Saturday night. I spent Sunday getting my house 'in order.' Grocery shopping, cooking for lunches for the week, all those mundane things that felt so good to be doing. Then on Monday, I got hit hard with the body ache, respiratory type flu. . . I don't get sick. EVER. Quite honestly, I don't remember the last time I was really sick. I spent two days in bed. Mainly because I couldn't get up! I am happy to report that I feel MUCH better. Today, it is back to sewing :) And because of this nasty bug, I did not get the fabric from my giveaway mailed out until yesterday. Sorry ladies, you should get your fabric on Friday (yes, tomorrow!).

Before the crud hit on Monday, I got the bottom half of my sister's quilt sewn together. I was not going to post this before it was done but this post needs pictures and some good news. This is where I am. I need to add the borders and binding. I am hoping for a Friday finish :) Barring any unforeseen interruptions, this is totally doable.





I'm going to admit, the borders have me a little bit concerned. I'm not sure how I am going to get them quilted without puckers. . . The easiest solution would be straight line stitching but I really think it will look best with a border the same width as the sashing and quilted with the same candy ribbon design. . . Going to have to just put my big girl panties on and do this. . . 

I'll post more details of the quilting process and putting the blocks together QAYG in my finish post. Unfortunately, I did not take any photos along the way :( I think I can give you a good short description and provide the link again to the tutorial I used.

I'm off to vacuum and then finish this up. I'm thinking I will use the yellow I used for the sashing/border for the binding. . . what do you think? I have a pale green that will work. . . I have white flannel (but it does not match the white in the blocks). . . I have yellow flannel that matches the sashing. That could be an option as well. If you have any thoughts, or a different idea, I'd love to hear it!

Until next time, keep on quilting!
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18 comments:

  1. Judy, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Sending comforting hugs to you.

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  2. I'm so sorry about your nephew.

    Your sister will be thrilled with her quilt. You're pulling it together beautifully.

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  3. So sorry to hear of your nephew's sudden passing! That is devastating and tragic. My grandmother passed away suddenly yesterday, she was 84 and in rehab after (another) fall...but she wasn't working on recovering and then her body just gave up, I guess. It is sad, but honestly we weren't very close and after seeing a dear friend lose the battle to cancer, and two of my husband's grandparents be miserable for many years before dying...I'm glad my grandma didn't suffer too much. I am thankful I went to visit her with my small kids on Monday though! It was a good to see her so recently and share some uplifting stories and photos with her. Your quilt is very sweet, and the quilting works beautifully with the blocks. I vote for pale yellow binding. Sending you hugs!

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  4. So sorry for your loss, Judy. *hugs*

    I definitely vote for the pale yellow binding. It works so well for the sashing on the front that it will tie it all together nicely, I think. Good luck getting it wrapped up!

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  5. So very sorry for your loss Judy. There are no words to comfort the passing of your nephew but know that I am thinking of you. Your quilt is beautiful and i have no doubt you will finish it beautifully too.

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  6. Oh Judy I am so sorry for the loss of your nephew, that is a tough one for sure loosing a young person, just not fair. Sending you many hugs my friend. The quilt is coming along beautifully.

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  7. What a tragedy for your family. Know that we, your readers, are all thinking of you and sending hugs. The quilt is looking great and I the yellow binding gets my vote.

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  8. I've been thinking of you all week and wishing you the best. I am loving the texture in this quilt, and I like the yellow too.

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  9. Goodness me ... I'm sorry sorry to read your news ... sending much love to you and your loved ones xx. I like yellow for the border , it's a happy colour :)

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  10. So sorry to read your news, I had a close friend killed by a drunk driver a few years ago. He was only 23. You never really "get over" it, although it seems like people expect you to. Give yourself time to mourn. These days, we still talk about my friend but it is always "Remember when he did this?" or "If he was here..." and we are able to bring up the good memories.

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  11. I'm so sorry for your loss Judy. Sending warm thoughts and hugs to you and your family. I agree with Serena--yellow because it's a happy color. :-)

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  12. I am so sorry for the loss of your nephew.

    Your quilt is coming along wonderful!

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  13. I am so sorry to hear about your nephew. Hugs and prayers to you and your family. Love how this quilt is coming along too.

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  14. Judy, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I'm glad you're moving through the 'crud' and are back to inspiring us with your amazing quilting! Sweet Blessings, xoxo Chris

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  15. I'm sorry for your loss. I have no idea what you should add, sorry. I'm glad that you at least feeling better.

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  16. So sorry to hear about your loss :( It seems those special people are always taken too soon.

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  17. I'm so so sorry. Senseless things happen. I hope you and your family can find peace.

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  18. Oh my gosh - I am so sorry - what a shock. Long distance hugs coming your way.... wow

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