Friday, February 11, 2011

A finish...full of memories!

Hurrah!!! I received my quilt back from Darcie, after she quilted it with her freehand fancy feathers...the quilting is breathtaking!! I just love it...isn't it incredible how much life is breathed into a quilt with the quilting?? This is a large, bed size quilt, and all the pieces came from my 2 inch square bin, except the white of course. I am really liking the fact that I am making progress on using up my stash, and having some finishes!
See that green polka dot square? That is from my mother...cut by her scissors around 40 years ago...I have quite a few of her squares in this quilt. Most of the yellows were in her stack...and some old dresses and aprons were cut by her for quilts...I inherited these squares. Thank you so much, Mom...this quilt is doubly precious to me. I think of each of these little pieces as old friends, remembering where they came from and what I used them for. Fun!! I have cut the binding, just need to get it on there.
I am finished with all these blocks! I am having a devil of a time figuring out how to set them...what color, I mean...so I will be thinking about that...please help if you have an inkling!
And now for something entirely different! I used to cross stitch...a lot. Not for years, however...but I found a free pattern from somewhere on the Internet, and I used to raise sheep in my youth...so I loved this, and is was fast and fun! I love that each sheep has a different pattern...it was really fun to do...except I had to use a regular needle instead of a cross stitch needle(a blunted one)...that made a little harder!
Please forgive the blurry picture...but lookee, lookee! I received a gorgeous scissor fob from Darlene at Quilting Daze...she is an amazing quilter...and she thought of me!! I am so spoiled...thank you, Darlene!!


*****************Nurse's notes********************


After prayerful consideration, I have decided to start with the anti thyroid medication to stop this hyperthyroidism. I am getting weaker...usually I sail up the stairs at work instead of the elevator...and I cannot anymore. Muscle weakness is a hallmark of this illness...and I need my strength to care for my patients and just generally live!! Very fuzzy headed and hey, I was a math minor...and cannot even add right now!! That is bad...and blurry vision, etc. Guess who I had as a patient yesterday...a patient with hyperthyroidism!! He is much sicker...because he did not get treatment...so I am starting in with this. I am frightened, because it can lead to liver damage and bone marrow suppression...and I need the immunity that my white blood cells produced in the bone marrow provide...work is an infectious place at the hospital!! But I am praying for all the best...and will do my part by eating well and drinking adequate fluids and taking my meds by the book. Thanks for listening about the hyperthyroid patient!!!



****************************************************


Our dear son's birthday is tomorrow...25 years old!! Strange...how can that be...and I am so young...LOL!!! Happiest Birthday, darling son...you are the best son anyone could ever wish and hope for!!


Have a great week, all!!!


Julie

45 comments:

*karendianne. said...

Oh Julie, your quilt is beautiful and your Mom is looking down from heaven so proud! I'm just sure of it. How heartwarmingly special this quilt is to you and to have Darcie work her Freehand Fancy Feathers... well that really is the icing on the cake, isn't it? Julie - this quilt is absolutely gorgeous. You are really a lovely person to know, to be around and one heck of an inspiration!

Lori said...

What a lovely post today- even with the news of your pending treatment. The patient comeing in was probably jsut what you needed to set your mind in motion. I think you have chosen the correct route.

Now, your quilt is gorgeous adn the quilting- WOW! Beautiful and such lovely memories in your patches.

Yankee Valley Stitcher said...

Your quilt is gorgeous! Everytime you look at it you will be reminded of someone or some moment from your life..........

Ali Honey said...

Wishing you all the best with your treatment.
Love the quilting on your beautiful quilt. Love your Mum's contribution.
The sheep's wool is fun!

Linda O said...

Wow, your quilt is just gorgeous, and I love all the special memories contained in it! I love what you have done with the 9 patches! Mine are still in the bag! Good luck with your treatment...making those decisions is hard, but it helps once they are made.

Nancy said...

May your side effects be minimal and your health improve quickly.

The quilting is wonderful: Darcie is very talented. Your piecing and her quilting make this a gorgeous quilt.

Jane said...

Just sent up a prayer for successful treatment for you and a quick, quick return to full strength.

Your quilt is gorgeous and you are just incredible!

dortha said...

You always do such a good job on your quilts. You make such beautiful scrap quilts. I hope the treatment is successful and you feel better soon. It takes a lot of energy to be a nurse.

Quilter Kathy said...

Your scrappy quilt is amazing! The quilting makes it even more wonderful.
Hope you feel better with the new meds.

Amelia said...

Love the quilt...lots of work but so worth it in the long run.

So the decision has been made to take the medication...wonderful news! Take care of yourself as well as you take care of your patients..

Celebrate son's birthday having fun!

Anonymous said...

Hello Julie, love the memories in your post and quilt....Happy Birthday to your dear son.....my thoughts with you....and have been waiting to see which way you would go with your treatment.....Big hugs lyn

Wendy said...

Isn't it special to remember each piece of fabric? Your quilt turned out stunning and the quilting is out of this world!

Darlene said...

Oh Julie what a wonderful scrap quilt - so many memories to make you smile. The quilting is spectacular.

I'm sorry you're struggling - I wish there was something I could do for you.

You're very welcome. :-) It was my pleasure.

A Garden of Threads said...

Love your quilt, full of wonderful memories of your Mom. Darcie did a beautiful job quilting it, stunning. Happy Birthday to your son.

Pat said...

Of course your quilt looks great with the quilting, BUT the long-arm gal had a great quilt to begin with in your work. Good luck with the medication. I think you made the wisest decision to try the meds.

WoolenSails said...

That quilt is so beautiful, love that pattern and love the colors you used. I want to make one, but have to wait till I have more patience;)

Debbie

Allyson said...

These are my favorite kind of quilts....just full of all that scrappy goodness. Yours is beautiful. Love the stories behind the different fabrics.

Good luck with the thyroid meds. Hope you're feeling better soon!

Anonymous said...

Love the quilt...is that 2 inch finished squares???

My MIL was a nurse for over 40 years, she always said nurses make the worst patients;-)

Just a small bit of advise. Take your meds and try not to worry. My sister has been on thyroid meds for over 35 years and is healthy. My mom for over 15 years and pretty darn healthy and active for 75!!!

blessings,
jilly

AnnieO said...

That is a beautiful quilt. How precious your dear mom's fabrics are to keep her close to your heart! I agree, the quilting brought it extra life! Love the churn dashes. Howabout a dark red, like a madder red, for sashing?

Hope your treatment results in easing of your symptoms. Of course all meds have undesirable side effects so your careful consideration was necessary! Wishing you strength and shuteye!

Happy 25th Bday to your son. Our son is 25 1/2 and I also wonder where all those years went :)

Julie S said...

Julie, that is a gorgeous quilt. Hard to believe it grew from your 2-inch scrap box. That shows what scraps can do. Good luck with the meds.

Quilts And Pieces said...

Oh your quilt is beautiful! Its awesome! And what an awesome fob from Darlene! Those little scissors are sooo cute!

Elyte said...

The quilt is really lovely, a wonderful pattern for scraps. And the quilting finishes it off beautifully.
Unfortunately many of us start depending on some sort of medication as we move into higher numbers. You are educated in the medical area and know what you have to do. We seek alternatives but sometimes we can't escape the inevitable.

Helen in the UK said...

Sending you every good wish for successful treatment. If it leaves you feeling rough you can snuggle under that wonderful Irish Chain quilt and know that your mother's hand and love has been involved too. It is stunning!
On the sashing question ... have you thought blue? Blue usually looks great with browns and neutrals :)

Khris said...

What can I say but FANTASTIC.
Hugs Khris

Lorraine said...

I love the quilting - and how wonderful to have the pieces of your Mum's fabric in there.....quilts always hold memories of things that happened when you were stitching it...
good luck witht he treatment - it is always difficult to decide when there are nasty side effects...but it seems the conditon if left untreated would be quite debilitating - take care of yourself! Thinking of you!

ria vogelzang said...

Dear Julie, your quilt is really breathtaking!!!! And all those lovely little pieces with all those memories!
Reading about your illness....: I will be sure to pray for you, that you will be kept safe and restored through all of this.....
Beste whishes on your son's birthday and ...yes... the time flies......
Thinking of you..... and a very big hug!!! Love, Ria.

Angie said...

It's beautiful, Julie! I can't wait to see your churn dash set together. And that cross-stitch sheep is adorable! I need to do that one for my friend who has sheep as pets. :)

Maureen said...

Your quilt looks fabulous! How special that your mom and friends contributed. Let those blocks stew a bit - something will come to you. All the best as you treat the hyperthyroidism.

Darcie said...

Aw...I'm a teary mess. First, I choked up from learning about your treasured fabrics from your Mom. That's truly wonderful!

Then, your kind words about the machine quilting. You always make me feel so special.

And then, your hyperthyroidism. My friend, I know that you know what's best. You are in very good hands...God's and your own. And the doctors that you have trust in. Be well, my friend!

I don't know even a portion of all of the benefits of this, but would you want to check into it? Bragg's Organic Apple Cider Vinegar. Just Google Bragg's and you'll get the hit.

Hugs of wellness...and gratefulness for YOU!

Terry said...

Your scrappy Irish chain is beautiful! Now I want to get back to working on mine! Love the little sheep too! And good for you getting the treatment you need! I'm sure it was a difficult decision, but I think it's probably the right one! :0)

Shelia said...

Julie,
Beautiful quilt and precious memories. I'll keep you in my prayers that the medication works quickly.
Shelia

Debi said...

YOur quilt is so pretty, I love it. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers sweetie, let me know if you need anything.

wannabegodly said...

Lovely quilt!

Have you looked into coconut oil for your thyroid?

skye said...

Julie, re: the hyperthyroidism, I fully support your decision @ the medication, AND re: need super-adequate hydration & high immunity, please look at Super Liquid Manna & Liquid Manna at www.GlobalLight.net. This is just the product ordering page; sign up for the newsletter to read & learn more @ the products.
(I get no kickback; just a happy customer)
It could be the answer to a prayer for you.
All the best!!

Leeanne said...

Lovely quilt, what a fantastic keepsake.

Stina Blomgren said...

Oh my gosh... It's so beautiful ... What a quilt... Love how it became with the wonderful quilting!

Michele said...

I love your quilt! How nice that you are able to include fabrics with special meaning to you :) I hope your medication will help you feel better and I wish you the best of luck with your health :)

Anonymous said...

Just wanted to wish you the best with your treatment. Hope all goes well. Your quilt is beautiful. Nice job.
cindy

Michelle said...

Your scrappy quilt is just beautiful!!

Floss said...

The quilting is beautiful what a wonderful quilt. I love the sheep too.

Pokey said...

Such a great Irish chain, but even better, the precious prints that connect you to your Momma. I love it, Julie.
I'm praying your medical treatment will help improve your quality of life. I agree that there are so many scary things involved, but I'm glad too that you have a choice. We'll pray for good results!

Libby said...

I am finally catching up on my blog reading! I think you made a good choice about your treatment! You are smart and you know your body and health! I hope you feel soooo much better now!

That is a beautiful quilt! I love that you have scraps from your Mom in it! Precious!

Becky said...

Good luck with your treatment! Sometimes we just have to do what we have to do:) Your scrap quilt is great! How neat to use fabric from your Mom. I do like your nine patches and churn dashes. The blue and cheddar really add to your qult!

Libby said...

Good to hear you've made your decision on a treatment. I keep you in my thoughts that all goes well and you can return quickly to a more normal-feeling self *s*

yaseminlerim said...

Merhaba arkadasim uzak diyarlardan bir dost, Patchwork otulerin hepsi bir birinden harika ellerine saglik iyi gunlerde kullanasin sevgiler.

Puffins and purples!!

I was tempted by Puffins...a squirrelly breed!!  LOL!  This fabric was shared with me, and I have been loved these bright, candy corn colors...