Monday, August 15, 2011



I have been working on the zig-zag borders on this quilt today, and I have two sides done. A secret for me is to have everything cut out ahead of time, and work on the border as I go, so I trick myself into thinking it is not as much work as I might think otherwise!
Another view...all four corners will fit together like this. I love scraps so much, don't you?!!!


*************************NOn -quilting stuff***********************


My son and his wife moved this weekend...1500 miles away. I am just so very sad...I miss them so much...they were just a couple hours away, now they are so very far! It is a great opportunity for them, and I am so happy for them....just wish I could get past the worrying!! Have any of you experienced this stuff?? Thanks for listening...


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Have a great week!!


Julie


34 comments:

Marlene said...

I was married to a military man and we were stationed in Germany. My parents didn't see their first grandson until he was 16 months old. My middle daughter and her family just finished teaching for a year in Turkey. I understand it from both sides. Skype and email keep us connected now. It will be difficult, but hang in there.

Amelia said...

Really an empty nest now with son and his wife that far from you...I agree it is a sad time.

Love the zig zag border...that is a new one to me...but then I lead a some what sheltered life...!

Got some rain...could use some more...temps are coming down...yea.

Quilter Kathy said...

I just love that zigzag border!
Hope you can keep in touch with your son by Skype. That is how we keep from missing my sister and her children. It's hard.

MB in MI said...

Julie--that is one beautiful, happy quilt you've got going there! Our son and his wife have been in South Korea teaching for 3 years!! I know just how you feel.
Get hooked up with Sykpe (it's free) You'll be able to SEE and talk with them! Hang in there :-)

Heartsdesire said...

I'm the one who moved away unfortunately. Not too far really, but it's an expensive ferry ride from Vancouver to Victoria, where I live. So I don't get to see everyone as much as I would like. When I lived in Vancouver, I could just drive down the street to visit. It's hard, but Skype is wonderful. I love your borders. They really make the quilt sing. Scrap quilts are the best!

Libby said...

I have spent most of my adult life far away from my family - first my mom when Hubby was stationed in places far flung from all that we knew, then when The Princess served for 10 years across country or overseas. Just when we got The Princess back in our time-zone, Hubby and I moved to the opposite coast. Go figure!
Finally after 32 years, I am in the same time-zone with those that I love the most!
You will feel them gone, but then you will find so many new and creative ways to stay in touch that it won't be anything at all like you see in your mind. Just be open to it and most important . . . . don't live by the calendar. When you can celebrate holidays, not just when the calendar or Hallmark tells you you should. It's FUN!

Thim3 said...

I love the scrap quilt. I read in another post that this was a Bonnie Hunter pattern. Do you know the name of it or is it in one of here books?...would love to make one.

Janet O. said...

Another winning scrap quilt, Julie, and I do love that border--corner treatment looks great!
My daughter and hubby moved last year but only half as far away. Skype is a blessing!

GardenOfDaisies said...

I do love scrappy quilts! And this one is stunning!!

Monica said...

I know exactly how you feel. It must be a mom thing. I miss my son ALL THE TIME and worry constantly.

When he was stationed at Fort Drum in New York we only got to see him once a year. Then he got transferred to Fort Hood a year and a half ago. That has been really nice because we get to see him every other weekend...except right now. Him being in Iraq has been really hard after having him here so much right before.

Hang in there Mom. Just keep reminding yourself that you raised a great son and that he'll be just fine.

Vivian said...

Skype will be your friend, and it will keep you smiling.
One year ago our military son, his wife, and only grandchild moved 4500 miles away--the distance from our home in Iowa to their new home in Germany.
You NEVER stop worrying. That's the maternal instinct and the caring nature we have. The feeling of loss will not get easy, but focus on enjoying what you can--your conversations with them on Skype (yes, they're free!), occasional phone calls, and don't forget occasional messages to them via snail mail. They're missing you too.
You're not alone. It is a sad time, but technology will help.

AnnieO said...

So gorgeous, Julie! The zig zag border is just the cream in the scrap quilt coffee!

Thank goodness for instant communication we have these days--your son will hopefully stay in touch frequently. Two of my kids are still in town--the one getting married is likely to stay all her life. Our son, who knows--he is with us now but after he moves out that may change. Youngest DD is at school in AZ. I can't see her staying there, but she might! At least that is only an 8 hour drive :)

Anonymous said...

My daughter married a nice young man in the Coast Guard, and promptly moved from California to his new duty station in North Carolina last year. She's expecting our first Grandbaby in 2 weeks....clear across the country. They won't be back on the west coast for at least 3 years...so I can truly understand your sadness. Patty E in Central CA

Nicky said...

I was the one who moved away - 600 miles - but now that we have Skype I probably see more of my sister and family!

Love, love, love this quilt Julie and that border is gorgeous - just the ticket.

I am just catching up with the plaid string quilt - just posted all my blocks joined up and am wondering what border to put on it!

http://mrsssewandsow.blogspot.com/2011/08/plaid-string-along-going-strong.html

In case you get time to have a look! Grin!

Leanne said...

Lovely quilt so bright and colourful. Life is constantly changing. I moved away from home when I was 16 so have never lived close to my parent.

Carol said...

Love your quilt and what a great idea to do the border pieces at the same time...I love playing little tricks on myself. Being away from your kids is hard...we're like mother hens and want our chicks close by...when my son and daughter-in-law moved to Chicago I fretted...they were fine and we took advantage of Southwest specials all the time. I think we cherished the time we had together so much more because it was special. Sending good thoughts!

The Calico Cat said...

love the zig zag - my son is officially not allowed to move away. No siree not gonna happen.

Maureen said...

Love your zigzag border! I'm just waiting for the right quilt to come along to add this treatment.
Do mothers ever stop worrying? I'm sure they will be fine. Like others have suggested - SKYPE! Take care.

Debi said...

THe quilt is beautiful! Yes I have experienced this. MY DD#2 and family move to Austria each year for 9 months, and when they come back, they settle in AZ for about 3 months..then back to Austria again!

Jane said...

What a great border! You do such amazing work!

Lori said...

So sorry the kids are so far away. Skype is the newest thing and really does help with the distance.

Love your border! You are amazing!!

Darlene said...

Skype will become your new best friend - use it often. I'm so sorry they're so far away :-(

Another fabulous scrappy quilt - you are definitely the queen of scraps. :-)

Marilyn Robertson said...

I love the corners on your scrappy quilt! The separation from family is never easy!

Angie said...

Your latest creation is another beauty, Julie!

Lois Arnold said...

We had to move away from all of our grown kids for 4 years. It was a hard time, but they grew closer while we were away. They continued the holiday dinners that I had always hosted. Of course when we moved back they dinners reverted to our house again. The move will make them appreciate you so much more!

Love the zig zag borders!

Hugs!

Sandra Kaye said...

I really like this quilt. You are doing a great job!! I know what you mean about missing your son. I had to relocate to AZ, we are from FL. I left everyone there. Friends, my family, and one of my son's. The other son is a Marine, he leaves for Afganistan in two weeks.:(:( Quilting has helped me keep my mind busy and not worry. You are really good at quilting. I went through your blog it's great!! Have a blessed day!! Sandie

Valerie the Pumpkin Patch Quilter said...

I am sorry to hear about your son moving away. My children are my world, right now they are small, but I know some day they may make similar decisions. At least you can know they are doing something good for their family, even though it is so hard to be away.

Your quilt is just a masterpiece. It is phenominal. I really love it!

Leeanne said...

Glad to be 'listening' scrappy bloggy friend! Hang tough, sorry your son is so far away.
I too cut and sew borders while making the main part of the quilt, the binding too.
YES I love scraps too!!

*karendianne. said...

Another pretty border on a great scrappy quilt. Perfect. :)

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

What an absolutely gorgeous quilt you have going on there!

Anonymous said...

Your quilt is just so darned pretty! You can stay close to them. Don't be like my in-laws or my own family members.....GO VISIT, CALL and YES.....still send snail mail because seeing a card in the mail just to know your missed feels wonderful! I moved away from "home/our families" due to military.....now that we are retired we never went back to live near them....never felt like we were missed.

Merilyn said...

Another gorgeous scrappy project Julie!!! Just love the zig-zag border!!!!!

Loretta said...

My son and DIL lived 45 min. from me for the first couple of years they were married. After my son finished college, they moved to southern GA...950 miles from us. :(

I was inconsolable for 2 days. I couldn't stop crying. It was so bad that I had to miss 2 days of work because I couldn't stop crying.

It's been 4 years now, and though I don't like it any more than I did then, I have gotten used to it.

My daughter also lives 450 miles from us, and once again, though I may not like it, I have come to accept it. We make trips to see both as often as we can.

quiltmom anna said...

Hi Julie.
I can so relate to your post- Our only child( son) and his girlfriend moved to the east coast of Canada ( 4000 miles from where we live in Western Alberta) I thought my heart would break in a million pieces when they left at the beginning of August.
It is getting better each day and I soon return to the classroom of kindergarten students which I enjoy.
There is no magic answer to getting through- one just finds ways to make the distance less formidable. The technology is helping.
Sending you warm thoughts and good wishes,
Regards from Western Canada,
Anna
By the way I love the quilt you are working on- the name of the pattern is?
It is a very pretty design and you have chosen some great colors.

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...