Friday, December 6, 2019

Red Strings Finish and December OMG

This week just got away from me, and I didn't get nearly as much sewing done as I wanted to. First, a dear friend B's husband died over Thanksgiving weekend. There are no words. We (Bruce, me and Cousin Kim) went to visit her one day, as we all spent a lot of time together on sewing days. The emotions of a friend passing just knocks one for a loop. Then Bruce's MRI and cat scan came back and there is another spot of cancer in his arm - in the soft tissue just above where the previous surgeries were done last August. So, he has another surgery scheduled on Monday. The good news is that his lungs are clear, and this sarcoma is in an area where they can take it and the surrounding soft tissue (hopefully) without further maiming his arm. And it's not near a bone. We're all thinking it's a one-surgery procedure without having to do tissue transplants or even grafts. Fingers crossed. This is surgery #14 since 2010 on his right arm. 

So, retreating to the sewing studio was a nice, if altogether too brief, respite. I quilted up the Scrappy Red Stars quilt, and bound it with the backing red check fabric.  


I just did a simple, mindless stipple, because that was all I had in me by then; the previous day I'd quilted two quilts (one large, one small) for Cousin Kim. No pictures yet of those. Anyway, this darling quilt (even if I do say so myself) is so cheery! It finished at 36.5" x 48.5", and will be donated to Quilts for Kids.

The red check background is fun, too. I almost hate to give this one away. And since red is Bruce's favorite color, he really loves it. But I'll make him another one in red that's more his size. As Bruce says, they'll make more red fabric!


Scrappy Red Stars was basically an unplanned (squirrel!) project, so I don't get to cross anything off my Finish-Along list.

I also sewed up my Block of the Month block for the local quilt shop class. It's 12.5".


I didn't make any progress on the quilt I'm making for Cousin Kim for Christmas. But since she can't come over on Wednesday for sewing, I'll have time to work on this that entire day.  I'm selecting this quilt - Newport - as my OMG (One Monthly Goal) for December. I plan to get it completely finished from sewing the top together, to basting it, quilting, binding, labeling, photographing and gifting it!



18 comments:

  1. I do hope everything goes a lot easier for Bruce. I don't think surgery competitions are good for a marriage. Plus you may need more cats to keep up with the pet therapy requirements.

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  2. Hoping that all goes well for your hubby; good that you can get in a day of sewing--hugs and prayers for a good outcome Julierose

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  3. Sending prayers to Bruce. Even if there were no more red fabric being made, you would just need to put out the call to your online friends and you would receive enough red to make multiple quilts.
    Pat

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  4. My deepest condolences on the loss of your friend. How terribly sad and difficult for his wife. And I'm sorry to hear that Bruce needs to endure another surgery. Crossing my fingers that it will be an easier one.

    Your red strings is so fun! So many great scraps and I love this pattern with red as the background. You're very generous to give it away when you love it so much :)

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  5. We keep losing our friends too. Aside from friends, I can't remember what music personality reminded us that all the great rock stars from the 70s will probably be gone in the next 10 years. That kind of gives you a jolt into reality. I'll be thinking of Bruce on Monday. A thought is a prayer.
    xx, Carol

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  6. Well, I think you got an amazing amount done considering the news you had to digest this week. I'm so sorry to hear about Bruce's diagnosis. Darn it! I hope the surgery will be uncomplicated and take care of things once and for all! Thinking of you, Cathy!

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  7. So much stress with loss and illness... you need more quilting time to recharge!
    This red finish is amazing... love the backing too!

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  8. So sad when friends pass away, and upsetting to get bad health news for your hubby too. Sending you cyber hugs, and you are in the best place, sewing away

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  9. Love, love, LOVE your Red Squirrel project!! With all that is going on, I'm surprised you managed to get it done this week. Glad the you found a bit of time for some quilting therapy to sooth your aching heart.

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  10. Life is such a roller coaster - a horrible news, a not-so-good news but nothing that cannot be overcome, mild relief and so on. What would we do without our sewing machines, fabrics and thread? I am sending good wishes for Bruce, lots of sewing mojo for you and a touch (just the tiniest droplet) of envy for the kid who receives that rich and gorgeous red string quilt. I am sure s/he will be enriched by it :-) Big hugs to you.

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  11. Wishing Bruce all the luck that this will be the last medical issue for a good long while. You two have had quite the year.
    And I'm glad you had your quilting to turn to for a respite - so much comfort can come from fabric and thread.
    I love your scrappy red squirrel - gorgeous quilt!

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  12. wow - a beautiful quilt and prayers for your news

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  13. You had to cope with so much this week. I pray that Bruce's surgery goes well and I am so sorry you lost a friend. I love that red scrappy star quilt and I am sure some child will treasure it.

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  14. Fun fabrics. Thanks for linking up with Elm Street Quilts One Monthly Goal and good luck with your project.

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  15. So sorry for your loss, and pray that Bruce’s surgery is successful. The red quilt is lovely!

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  16. Oh dear - I'm so sorry to hear that Bruce has to (had to, by now) face yet more surgery. There really are no words for situations like this, beyond wishing him the best and a speedy recovery once again. So glad you have your stitching to turn to.

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