Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Plaid scraps rule!!

 Country Threads had a sampler, a free offering in 2013.  Here is my version!  It is made all of plaid scraps, with muslin as the background fabric.  I made a few changes as my fancy and the materials at hand dictated; and here is what I came up with.
 A favorite block...that little pinwheel block!!  Love that one, for some reason!!  Country Threads is also having another sampler quilt along for this year...check them out!  I am saving the patterns, but I have not started it...yet!
 Many of you know I am working on the current wool sampler from Primitive Gatherings.  I am experimenting with making cotton blocks too...see above...and below!
 I like the basket!
 And the bird...
The sampler calls for lots of little four patches, so I got caught up on making all those while I had some time.



*********************Nurse's Notes*******************************

KIND OF A DOWNER!!  Warning, warning!!  don't read if you are just here for quiltish content...

I had some pretty rough days the last stretch I had at the hospital...I sure hope these next days are better, and not so emotional is so many ways.  I had to terminally wean a patient from the ventilator...and he lasted about 5 minutes without the vent support.  Just broke my heart, friends...seems like after 25 years of nursing it would be easier...but it still hurts so badly...I think it is the family pain that infiltrates my heart and makes me sad.  I know the patient is in heaven and all is well for him.  Taking a deep breath here and preparing for my next patients!!

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


Have a great day, everyone!!

Julie

21 comments:

Karen said...

More plaids and I do like plaids. I just learned this year that Country Threads has been doing a sew-along. Love those applique blocks. My favorites of what you are working on in this post.

Quilter Kathy said...

I love the primitive gatherings blocks... so pretty! And your sampler is awesome too :)
Maybe it will help your heart to feel less sadness to know that your loving presence at that moment helps the soul to pass over, and it helps the family to feel less stress and anxiety knowing that the dying person is being well cared for.I think our sensitivity is our greatest gift and our achilles heel!

Vic in NH said...

Your passel of 4-patches is so delightful! I recognize many fabrics in them that I own, what fun to see them here!
Helping a soul across the rainbow bridge is an awesome responsibility and your sensitivity is wonderful. Keep up the good work!

Kyle said...

Got to love all those plaids together. It's very cute and homey. Your appliqué blocks are coming together perfectly. I like the cotton look too, especially the basket one with the flowers.

Rebecca in AK said...

I was so sorry to hear about your patient. I don't think it would be possible to avoid that feeling of loss. I know you gave him all the comfort and care you could and I hope that will bring you some peace. I love the projects you have been working on!

audrey said...

Love the plaids! Your applique blocks are looking wonderful as well. Sorry about the bad days at work. I don't think you could be human if it didn't hurt your heart just a little.:)

Janet O. said...

Plaids are a favorite of mine, too.
Oh, those Primitive Gatherings blocks are delightful!
I am impressed that you have not become hardened to the suffering of family members, as you have attempted to deal with the passing of your patients. Oh, that all families who lose loved ones could have such a nurse!!

Leeanne said...

Beautiful! I will have to look at Country Threads, it's new to me.

Chantal said...

Love your new plaid quilt. It is so cottage like kinda quilt. LOVE it. Your PG Blocks are awesome. I see plaid in it and it makes them adorable.
The heart has ties we don't understand. I guess what you are going through is the flip side of all the wonderful feelings our hearts can make us feel during precious moments. Hugs.

Cheryl's Teapots2Quilting said...

We had to unplug my father, several years ago. He had a DNR bracelet that the doctor ignored. Having him on the machine gave me time to catch a flight and get to his side, along with my brother and mother (none of us had been in the town he was in). The nursing staff was WONDERFUL and very respectful of our limited time with daddy. I know it must be hard, but, your kindness really does make a difference to the families.

KaHolly said...

I sure like what YOU do with plaids!! Sorry work was so stressful. I don't imagine I'd ever get used to it.

Cathy said...

Love your Country Threads Sampler. I love how different it looks from mine. We all have put our own touch on it. Hugs

Sharon said...

Nurse notes - happened to my husband, it was the nurse who made it all slightly bearable for me. Bless your heart!!

Linda O said...

Your plaids look wonderful! Great job getting it all together! Mine has been a top for awhile and needs to become a quilt! Your applique blocks look great too. Can't believe you have TWO sets in the works. So sorry about the rough work days. You are a true gift to your patients and their families.

Nancy said...

Your plaid quilts (all of them) are gorgeous.

I can't imagine how difficult it is for you to lose patients, but I know the families are comforted by your presence and your sensitivity.

Barb said...

your quilt is great - I love all the components. The flower blocks are so fun!
it's nice to hear there are still loving nurses in the world!

paulette said...

You nurses are so special breed! (Thank goodness!) It's comforting to know that nurses are there to help with the journey that we all must someday make! You made it a wee bit better for the family and their loved one! Bless you!
On a happier note...LOVE your blocks!!

Unknown said...

(((((Hugs))))) - I can't imagine it does ever get any easier - and then maybe if it does maybe that means you're losing your compassion and if that's the case maybe you wouldn't want it to get easier at all if you get my drift

Pam said...

Julie, you are a treasure! To be able to give comfort and care to others is truly a gift ~ Especially during such difficult times. Bless your heart!!

Me and My Stitches said...

Wow! It's not enough for you to make the wool blocks? You have to be an over-achiever and do cotton too!? You're killing me! Lol!!! They are gorgeous and I am jealous of your applique talent!
So sorry about your patient - I have so much admiration for what you do. Hugs!

LesQuilts said...

Hi Julie! Yes, the family's pain gets me too....
Sorry you were the One to have the assignment, but...
You were the one who made it easiest for the family, as said above, it is the Nurse who helps, prepares, carries the pt and family thru the difficult times! Here is a hug from me too!
Take care, Leslie

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