Sunday, September 13, 2009

Felice's Quilt

Look how cute this top is that Felice made. These weren't her very first letters (those were boo) but awfully darn close. I know it frustrated her to make these to an exact size, but she did an awesome job of piecing the reindeer names.

She's figured out some of her own variations on letters too - take a look at those Ds in Donder. [Is the reindeer supposed to be Donder or Donner? It's actually kind of interesting to read about it.]

And look at Felice's cool M:

and R:

Great job, Felice. I've had those photos for three weeks and am just now posting them. d'oh. I've been distracted.

A quick non-quilting interlude and then I'll be back on topic. Tomorrow is my surgery. I have no idea how long I'm going to be in the hospital, but I know kitties will be fine. My cousin is here now and is already allowed to give Pokey belly rubs. It's been fun talking with her (Lisa, not Pokey), just too bad it's under these circumstances. I am cranky cranky today - not allowed to eat a thing except jell-o, plus I have to drink this really vile stuff.

Back to quilting. I finally decided what setting to use for my leftover Hope blocks. At first I was thinking of putting a 2" string border around each word, but that looked a little busy. (My friends got quite a laugh out of that "little." Okay, it looked very busy.) I'm liking this though:

I had cut out bunches of 4" strings thinking they'd be fun to us as components in a crumb quilt. Well, they are, just not quite how I was thinking.

Pokey is doing well. She had blood work done on Monday and she is slightly better. Woohoo. Here she is modeling some fun new fabric from the Fabric Square Shop.

I love the Spook Tacular - wheee, fun Halloween especially the design with all the little spiders. I thought it was fun to see this bright fabric next to the Shirtings 1870-1900 line - it really does all work together.

Is anyone else watching Top Chef: Las Vegas? I've been really pleased with this season. The contestants are really high caliber and, so far, professional. I like the focus on the food, rather than who hates who.

55 comments:

Mary C. said...

Hi Ton,
We are all praying for you (and Miss Pokey). Take care. While major surgery is a sucky experience physically, it is a great spiritual experience. You truly realize what is important.

Jennifer D said...

Tonya you were on my mind all day yesterday. I hope/pray it all goes well tomorrow. Your quilt is lovely, as always. I have been working on a very special word quilt for my dad. I can't wait to show you what I've done. Two more word blocks to go.

Take care,I will be awaiting your next post.

Unknown said...

the hope quilt is looking very nice... I might have to make one for myself. I follow your blog and enjoy every word that you post.

P.S. I LOVE your cats!!! They are adorable!!

~Jordan~
www.thescrapbox-jordannichole.blogspot.com

Kristin L said...

Best wishes on a successful surgery!!

As a descendent of Germans, I've always assumed Donner and Blitzen were the correct names. Their probable Dutch origin is quite interesting. Thanks.

And, I've not watched Top Chef this season because I'm not a fan of reality TV and Bravo's lineup seems to be increasingly the who hates who stuff and not the interesting parts that first drew me to shows like Top Chef and Project Runway, so they snuck the new season in without me seeing the fanfare (residing under a rock as i do). On your recommendation, I will give TC LV a go. :-)

Terri said...

Great progress. And yes I'm watching top chef. Watched the first episode and I was like what that's it I want more lol

Statch said...

Tonya, I'll be thinking about you tomorrow! Best of luck for a speedy recovery and a quick return to blogging!

That's a beautiful quilt too.

Stephanie D said...

Best wishes tomorrow! You and Pokey can snuggle together and commiserate about needles.

Dena said...

Felice did a great job, even if it's Donner. LOL

Love the shirting fabric you purchased. Coordinates quite well with Pokey.

I'm glad to hear you have family around to give you support during this stressful time. I'm praying for you, wishing you a speedy recovery.

YankeeQuilter said...

Loving those shirting fabrics! I'm hanging the rosary beads out the window for ya....

QuiltingFitzy said...

Wil be sending healing thoughts to you over the next few days. Let us know how you're doing just as soon as you feel up to it.

XOXO Fitzy

Anonymous said...

I have a feeling -- German roots - that Donder and Blitzen might be German for "thunder and lightning"? My grandmother used to make a really quick coffee cake she called "Blitzkuchen" -- ie, lightning fast to whip up!

But seriously, linguistics aside, take care, and heal fast. HOPE is waiting for you when you get home! (what a good thought that is!)

Diane in NYC

SewCalGal said...

Beautiful quilt. Love it. And I love the photo of your cat supervising your quilting project. Very cute.

SewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Good luck tomorrow! I'll be thinking of you, and hoping for the best - so blog again soon! Thanks for the info on Donner and Blitzen - I've been quite confused about that for some time. Again, good luck tomorrow.

Patti (who cannot remember her passwords)

Anonymous said...

Happy to hear that the unsettled part (waiting) is soon to be over. I think that that is almost the hardest part. You will be in many prayers. GAil

Anonymous said...

Love the unfolding of the HOPE quilt. It's so vibrant! Prayers for you as you go through surgery and recovery.
Andrea in Minnesota

antique quilter said...

good luck tomorrow
will be thinking of you.
I love the Christmas quilt, just adorable
ah yes the HOPE quilt, perfect for you now
Kathie

mimi said...

Praying for you, Tanya, You'll heal fast so you can get back to quilting and your Kitties! Love your Quilts. Mimi

Anina said...

Good luck tomorrow!
Love the Christmas quilt.
And yes, I was TCLV. I think there are definitely four top contenders. The others may as well go home now. :o)

Judy in Michigan said...

So happy to read your post today. My prayers will be non-stop tomorrow for you. I love Felice's quilt too - what a creative idea!
Speedy recovery. Hugs to you and the kitties.

Peggy said...

Prayers comming you way.

Nat Palaskas said...

Felice's quilt is great. I have a question for you? Is her reindeer center a panal or applique?
I will be thinking of you and wish you best of luck and quick recovery - Big hugs Natima

Callie Brady said...

The hope quilt looks great. Very huggable! Lots of good thoughts and wishes for you tomorrow.

Unknown said...

Have been praying for you! Will ask Jesus to be in the operating room directing the Drs. and nurses.So glad your Aunt has come and has made friends with the cats.

Beena said...

I'll be saying a prayer for you, too, that your surgery goes well and that you have a speedy recovery!

Kim said...

Think positive thoughts for an easy surgery and a speedy recovery.
You are in my thoughts and prayers Tonya.
We'll look forward to hearing from you asap.
Take good care of yourself,
Big Hugs,
Kim

Deborah said...

Love Top Chef. I like the brothers, Kevin and Jennifer. Thanks for the update on you and Pokey. Belly rub approval is very important. After 14 years Rob gets 3 rubs on Rusty's belly then he gets bit. Rusty lets me kiss him all over, Rob gets hurt. Kind of funny to watch. I drank that vile stuff a couple of weeks ago. Most of it ended up on the kitchen floor and in the sink. The reindeer top is adorable! You are inspirational woman! Take it easy. We will be sending purrs and prayers your way.

Marit said...

Good luck with your surgery, sending you good thoughts and wishes. Your hope quilt will be amazing! Thank you for a sweet comment on my quilt. Be good to yourself, Tonya.

kimberlym said...

Thinking good thoughts for you and hoping all goes well with your surgery.
Love the reindeer quilt-thanks for showing us that! It is inspiring me to do some more letters-I haven't done any in quite a while...
Hope you are up and about soon-

Sassenach said...

The lettering totally makes the quilt!

I've also been very happy with Top Chef this season. Very talented people and the regular judges could learn a few things from the French guest judges last week. I'm so done hearing anything from Gail.

You're likely in surgery as I write this -- I'll be thinking of you this morning. Post an update as soon as you can.

Sharon said...

Will be praying for you today and til you are back to quilting.

Barb said...

Thinking of you and sending good thoughts!
Take care of yourself --
barb

Anonymous said...

Good luck with your surgery and thank you for keeping us informed. My prayers are with you.
Debbi

lilli said...

Good luck darling, will be praying for you.
Baci Lilli

Magpie Sue said...

With all the people holding good thoughts for you you should come through this with flying colors! By the time you read this all that yucky pre-surgery stuff will be history - yeah! Be patient with your body as you heal. It's frustrating, I know.

dee said...

Thinking of you and hoping all goes well. Saying a prayer as well.

CarlaHR said...

Best wishes for a speedy recovery, but do take all the time you need before you get too active - of course playing with fabrics and a little hand quilting will help you feel better.

Fabric Fanatic said...

Tonya, thanks for checking in and giving us an update. I'll be thinking of you in the days to come and know that all this quilty healing love you're being sent from everywhere will do you good.

black bear cabin said...

May the company of your cousin keep you in happy spirits (even though you admitted to being cranky :)
Get plenty of rest, and take time to heal! You are in our hearts! Be well! HUGS~

Marge said...

I'll be thinking of you tomorrow and sending many positive thoughts your way!Marge

Browndirtcottage said...

Oops....I guess today is the day....I am behind....hoping all went well today and you are back to normal lickety split!!!

nancy said...

Thinking of you with prayers for a speedy recovery.
Great reindeer quilt from your friend.

Cher said...

nice check in - lots of positive and warm energy for everything going smoothly and a fast! recovery. You have to have some peace of mind, knowing the kitties will be well taken care of - hurray for family!!!
do tell Lisa she rocks. And, you came up with a perfect way of filling around those HOPE blocks..looks great Ton...!
healing hugs...

laura said...

Prayin' for your surgery to go well! So glad to hear Pokey is improving a little. Try and get word to us about how everything "comes out".

Donnelly said...

You will be at the fore-front (spelling errors I am sure!) of my thoughts and prayers tonight and tomorrow. I am glad your cousin is there to help you. There is nothing better than family during a time of need. Thank you for keeping us updated. Looking forward to your next post

Tazzie said...

You'll be in my prayers Tonya, I hope everything goes well with your surgery. If it helps, I have a really good feeling about it, and I always trust my feelings.
*hugs*
Tazzie
:-)

jude said...

be well and hope to see you back real soon. xx

Unknown said...

I didn't see yesterday's post but I'm glad that the surgery is over and I wish you an easy, speedy recovery.

I do like the Hope setting and the Christmas quilt is a such a great idea.

Quilters in DeNIle said...

We're all rooting for you. Hope your recovery goes great so your back to your jewels quickly.

Kim said...

3 days post-op.....
I'm praying for you and hope you are up and about doing your deep breathing exercises.

Take good care of yourself

Anonymous said...

Hope your recovery goes well. I lurk on your blog frequently and am sending love and prayers your way! Keep Well.

Kristin Shields said...

Tonya, I just got back from a week along the coast. I've been thinking about you even though I thought your surgery was still a week or more off. I hope that all went well and you are feeling better by now. That quilt is really fabulous- thanks for sharing. Also love those Halloween prints. What fun!

webmistress said...

Bit late with my good wishes, but they're sincere enough for all that. Hope you're starting to feel better.

Bed Linen said...

Nice. The top is actually rather cute.

Cheryl Arkison said...

Glad to hear you are home and recovering.
That is one of my favourite Christmas quilts ever. Must be the teacher as well as the artist.

Comfort Cove Designs said...

OMG!!!!!!!!! I just looooooooove that reindeer quilt!!! too too cute!!!

Quiltingly Yours
Andrea