The Big Holiday is coming up

 

And, I'm about ready for it.  The tree is up, the cookies are getting baked, a batch at a time, and my shopping is done.  Well, the grocery shopping can't happen till next week, but I'm getting there.

As you all know, the holiday season is the time that I line all the girls up for their spa day.  I oil, grease and lube all the FWs between Christmas and New Year's day.  At least I try to get them all done that week.  I have quite a few at this point so it might spill over a bit.  I will be posting a few machines for sale the beginning of 2021 and people have been asking if I'd sell any attachments.  I think I'll do that, too, so if you are interested in anything, just let me know.

A few ladies have reached out to have their machines worked on for one reason or another and that's good.  Now that I'm down here in SE Mi, I can meet you and pick up your machine if there is something going on that needs me to look at it.  Every machine at the maintenance class had one issue or another.  Those machines want to run and will run even when something is wrong.  But, it's not so hard to get parts for most things and having our sweet FWs in great condition will keep them sewing well. 

It's so good to hear that the vaccines are starting.  That means that as soon as possible, we can meet up again for FW Club classes and such.  I did one maintenance class in November but the Covid numbers were climbing so fast that I had to postpone the December class until January.  I'll set a date very soon and post it here once it happens.  It was so nice to meet up with gals and their sweet machines.  But the numbers will still have to be low for awhile until this Covid pandemic is on the downward side.

Also, the retreats are filling up.  The later retreat has 5 openings as I'm typing this message but the earlier one is full.  I'll start putting people on the waiting list for that one.  Do check out the info and email me if you are interested.

So, my wish for all of you is that you are having a safe and happy holiday season.  May the new year bring us all happy times and some 'back to normal' days again.

I only have good news this time.

 You know I love good news!  Well, I have 3 good news items to tell you about.

First, I'm back from my final visit to the bone doctor and he says my arm bone has fused back together and I won't need surgery.  Well, the bone will continue to fuse for several months yet and I could need surgery in the future if something unforseen should happen.  He doesn't expect that.  I'm still doing physical therapy once a week working on strengthening and pretty much doing whatever doesn't hurt. But, I'm back at my FW, looking out over the lake and working on the youngest grandson's wedding quilt.  I'll share the picture of blocks laid out on the kitchen floor.  I need to fuss a bit with the placement but at the moment I'm working on sewing the star points together.  Thank goodness the wedding isn't until April.  That means I should have time to get this one done.

Okay, good news item number two.....  I stopped in at the Quilt Patch while I was downstate and we have set a date for a maintenance class.  There can only be 6 students in a class so if you've been waiting for this class, you'll need to call the Quilt Patch (517-423-0053) and get your name on the list.  The class will be Saturday, November 21.  When that class fills, a waiting list will be started and another class will be planned.

Due to the large number of Club students we will still have to wait for a covid solution to start those classes again.  I'll keep you posted. 

The third good news item is coming from Kathy Seals at the Quilt Patch.  She's come across these cute featherweight socks in white or black and is going to offer them at the store.  The price will be $12.95.  Okay, giving the person in your life a hint that you'd like a couple pair of these might be a good thing.  Christmas isn't that far off, afterall.  I need both colors.  How about you?

We're starting to see the fall colors here in the UP and you know what that means.  We'll be heading back to lower Michigan in less than a month.  Due to the broken arm, it kinda feels like I didn't have a summer.  At least several of this year's projects will get moved to next summer.  But,  I will try to do a better job of posting on the blog now that I can actually lift my hand to the computer keys to type and do contact me if you have any FW questions or need some cleaning or repair on your machine.  Have a good end to September.  Hope you hear from you all soon.

I'm making progress---slowly

 It's been a slow process, this bone healing thing.  You really want to be careful and not break a bone.  It sure knocks the heck out of your summer.  And, it makes it hard to post messages on the internet, too.  I am healing though.  It just takes a lot of time and patience and I've never been very good at the patience thing.

I go back to the dr again in September to see how I'm progressing.  I can't drive, or lift anything.  Sewing is hard to do and physical therapy isn't a piece of cake either.  I think of all of you often, get a message or two from time to time and am so thankful you all are out there keeping things together until I can get to some sort of new normal.

It's been a beautiful, warm summer here in the north woods. Of course the weeds in the garden and around the fire pit are flurishing. I don't think I'll be able to get to any of that this year.  I have been able to start tying my shoes and getting dressed by myself.  That's a good thing.  And, best of all, I've started to sew at the machine again.  At first I couldn't do it at all.  But, with the physical therapy, I'm able to cut with my rotary cutter and  sew a bit at a time.

This summer was supposed to be the time I put together my last grandson's wedding quilt.  The wedding is next April so I figured I'd get the top made this summer and then quilt it over the winter.  I started it a week ago so there's a lot to do yet.  I'm thinking I might be able to still get the top done if I can keep working on it.  Does anyone recognize the pattern?  I got it at one of our retreats.  It was in the drawing pile.  I couldn't believe it was still there when my name got drawn.   Thank you, whoever brought it.  It's perfect for the newlyweds. I'll post more as I get more done.  I've put together 32 of the 128 blocks so I'm making progress.

Before I broke my arm I was able to get the main body of my applique quilt put together.  Okay, this is a quilt that I've been working on for forever.  I still have the borders to finish and there's a lot of applique on those, too.  But, I thought you might like to see the middle.  This was an acomplishment, believe me.

Did all of you get your FWs oiled and greased back in June?  I got my one machine that I use all the time finished.  The others are still sitting around wondering when it is their turn.  I'll get to them soon.  I brought 4 machines with me and I haven't had a chance to work on any of them.  I'm hoping that time will come soon.

I do hope everyone is doing okay, keeping safe and covid free.   I don't know how all of the covid thing will affect our classes and such.  At this point, nothing is planned and we just have to wait.  My husband is doing well.  His cancer is under control but I still have to stay isolated and not bring anything bad to him.  Having an auto immune disease puts keeping safe on a new level.  I will put information in the blog as news starts to change and classes begin being planned.  Until then, we'll just have to be patient.  Like I said, I'm not so good at that.

So, keep in touch.  I hope you are able to get lots of sewing done and your sweet FWs are working well for you.  Let me know if you have any questions or want to chat FW.

Good news and Bad news

Hello, everyone.  Our sweet featherweights don't know that a covid pandemic is going on so they expect to get their spa days on schedule.  And my schedule says, it's time for our 6-month FW spa day. So, pull out your notes and give those beauties the oil, grease, and motor lube that they deserve.  And while you're at it, check your needle and change it if needed.  Wipe down the surface with the soft cloth you store with your oil and stand back to enjoy your beautiful FW.  It always puts a smile on my face when I get that job done.

Unfortunately, the August retreats have been cancelled this year.  I'm so thankful that the participants let me know their concerns and I've already started taking names for the August 2021 retreats.  Let's hope that the covid issues are under control at that point so we can get together again for a fun weekend of FW comradery.

Now for the really bad news.  On June 12, I took a tumble and broke my left arm.  The bone dr here in the UP said surgery so I went to Ann Arbor for a second opinion.  I just got back home yesterday and I'm not having surgery at this point.  I am out of commission for awhile though.  It sure has put a crimp in my summer.  I'm very thankful that I didn't break a leg, my hip, or my back.  It was a hard fall but God is good.

So, I'm still around.  Send me any questions and I'll always try to help you out.  Take care.  Stay safe and stay strong.

Did you know?

Hello, friends.  The summer feels like it's arrived.  In fact, I think it's hotter up here in the UP than it is downstate.  That's unusual.

Did you know that there are things going on other than the pandemic and other horrible things?  Well for one good thing, Annette G has been working very hard to get all the FW Retreat/Workshop recipes collected, typed into an easy to read format and sent to me for distribution.  I can send all the recipes as an attachment in an email.  So, if you let me know you want it, I'll send it.  We are planning on printing off one copy to give to Kathy Seals, the Quilt Patch owner as a gift in the fall when we hopefully return to classes and such.  Thank you, Annette G., and thank you to every person that took the time to write down their recipe to be included.

I just sent an email to all the ladies that have signed up for the August 2020 retreat.  The final decision about whether to continue with retreat plans or to cancel will be done no later than June 11.  Contact me if you didn't get your email message.  You are the ones that these retreats are planned for so get back to me ASAP to help me make that final decision.

I know many have been waiting to get the report on my hubby's cancer prognosis.  Well, it's a good one.  We learned last week that the cancer is under control.  He won't have to go through chemo and he'll probably be good for a couple of years.  When this cancer returns, they'll have him go through the treatments once again.

So, I miss you all.  I get a few emails from time to time but I haven't gotten any serious FW questions lately.  I hope you are all feeling good about taking care of your sweet machines so you don't need me any more.  Our twice a year spa treatments are coming up soon.  I'll send a reminder when it's closer.

I hope you're dealing with isolation okay.  We're doing well.  Hope to hear from you soon.

May in the North woods

Good morning, everyone.  We have gotten to the North woods and are in the process of unpacking and putting things away.  I guess I should say that I'm cleaning like a crazy woman, too.  There sure is a lot of dust everywhere this time. That's slowing me down.  But, it's okay.  It's quiet and peaceful and what else do I have but time up here.  The stack of unpacked boxes is piling up but I have to get everything out of the trailer first and then the boxes can be stored in the trailer for the summer. It's quite the job but in the end it is so rewarding.

It was 72 degrees the day we arrived (Saturday), but it cooled down the next day.  Then, I woke up to this on Monday.  It's really so pretty and I don't have anywhere to go so it's okay.  It was all gone by noon!

Our view of the lake is always so comforting.  It is so full of wildlife as well.  Down there at the edge of the water I saw 2 trumpeter swans on Sunday.  They are always here in the spring but don't raise their young on our lake.  There's a culvert that goes under the road on the other side of the lake and opens up to a shallow swampy area.  There are about a dozen of them over there.  The muskie in the lake would swallow up the little cygnets here in the big water. Those swans are so smart.

I brought my toolbox inside yesterday.  I'm planning on giving my little FW that stays the winter a nice spa day this morning.  Then I'll sew a couple of mini 9-patch blocks.  I need to sew SOMETHING!  It's my drug of choice and I haven't sewn a thing for a week or more.  It seems like a lifetime.

I've been trying to post a little more often over on the forum, https://jdquilts123.proboards.com/.  I keep hoping to see some posts other than mine but perhaps people just don't have the time.  If you have any questions about it, just let me know.  It would be a great way to stay in touch during this time of staying isolated.

So, I'll get that machine happy and you all enjoy your day.  I'll stop by again soon.

Featherweight Club updates

Hello everyone.  Since our 'stay in place' order has been extended til the middle of May, I guess you know that the May FW club classes have had to be cancelled.  That means that we won't be able to have another club class until fall and so many have told me how sad they are to not get together.  Me,  too.  I miss all of you but let's hope things can get back to some sort of normal and this virus can be corralled so we can get back together.

We were in the middle of a few things at the last club class so let me clarify where we stand on our projects.  First, the Scrappy Stash Buster's challenge will be extended until next year.  Alice L is in the lead but when we return in the fall everyone will have had a chance to make a race out of this.  You're probably home and have time to pull out fabric to sew.  So, let's get busy and scrappy quilt away the time. 

I hope that the selvages block that we made in the last club class has inspired you to make something interesting using your block.  Maybe you've even made a few more and will have a cute little quilt to show us next fall.  Keep the ideas flowing.  I'd love to hear about what's in your plans for your block.  And, revealing what you've done with that selvage block will be item number one when we meet again.

If you signed up for the April club class, the May club class, or the maintenance class and you paid in advance, you can call the Quilt Patch (517-423-0053) and do one of three things.  They will send you a check to refund your payment,  apply the payment to the next class in the fall, or apply your payment to any purchases in the store.  And, just so you know,  you can buy things from the store and Kathy is offering curbside pickup service now that the non-essential store policies have been somewhat lifted by the governor.  If you need something, give the store a call.  I'm trying to do that before we leave for the North woods.  The Quilt Patch needs to stay open so we can meet up there when this is over and done with.

There are 2 retreats scheduled for August and I've been in contact with the retreat house owner. Everything is still planned as scheduled and I'm still accepting names for the waiting list because I think some people will drop out due to the virus.  I totally understand that.  I'll keep you all posted as we get closer to August and send out information to those signed up or on the waiting list. 

If you have any questions about our FW club things or just FW questions, you can still email me and I'll get right back to you.  jdquilts123@yahoo.com

Okay, you all have been so wonderful, sending cards of encouragement, emails, and text messages during this battle the Big Guy and I have been going through with his cancer diagnosis.  Thank you all so much.  You can't imaging how loved and cared for we both feel.  He's doing great with the infusions he's been getting and the last one is tomorrow.  In another month, we'll know if they worked and whether he will have to go through chemo or not.  My prayer is that he won't have to do that.  But, your thoughts and prayers have truly helped us get through this.  Thank you all so much.

I will try to post a little more during the summer months.  Do keep in touch.  This little break in our usual life plans will be temporary and keeping in touch is really important to keep us upbeat and strong.  If you get a chance, head over to the forum and post a comment or two (https://jdquilts123.proboards.com/).  I hoped that venue would give everyone a chance to stay connected.  To do that, you have to use it. 

Okay, stay safe!  Stay strong!  Have a great day!

How's everyone doing out there?

This past Sunday and tomorrow would have been our FW Club Class for the month of April.  That nasty virus thing caused more cancellations and most of us are sitting at home whether working or being retired.  And, I know many are a bit stir crazy wishing they could get out, see family or friends, and just get back at life.  While some feel like they are in a prison, others are just using this time to get some things done.  I'm trying to be the second kind.

We're adjusting to the new normal at our house, too.  But, we're dealing with something we never thought we'd have to be living through.  Annual blood tests and a weight loss with no effort brought a bit of a scary diagnosis for my husband.  His non threatening non hodgkins lymphoma of 20 years decided to get aggressive and the dreaded big "C" word came out of the dr's mouth.  After a pet scan and a bone marrow biopsy, the plan was revealed.  He's started his infusions and will be having one each week for 3 more weeks. 

While I intended to keep up with posting here, our family needs came first.  And, I don't know how all this will play out.  The governor will tell us tonight how long the 'stay in place' order will be in effect.  But, under the circumstances my commitments may change.  I will keep you all posted as we learn more.  And, the FWs that I have for repair are done now.  We'll figure out how and when those will be brought back to their owners.  They like being at my house getting fixed but then they want to go back home.

I mentioned at our March FW Club Class that I got 7 vintage quilt tops from my husband's cousin that need to be quilted.  So, I'm working on those during this time at home.  I finished one last week and here are a couple of  pictures of it.

There is another top just like the one I finished so that will be next.  Here are pictures of the other 5 vintage quilts.  These are all hand pieced but very well done.  If you have any suggestions on how to quilt them, let me know. That is always a challenge for me.

And I hear that many of you are working on medical masks.  That's so awesome.  Keep it up.  Everyone should be wearing a mask when going outside.  You can get patterns over on the forum that I started for us to chat.  People haven't been doing that but I hope you all will start chatting.  It's a good place to connect with each other when you can't get together face to face.

So, let's all stay in place, wear our masks, and keep in touch.  I'm so glad your little FWs are ready and willing to help you through this difficult time.  Thanks to all that have been keeping in touch.  I miss you all so much!

The Corona Virus and our New Normal

Would you have ever imagined that something like this could happen in this day and time?  I'm just shocked at what's going on around us.  The March retreats had to be cancelled and that still prays heavy on my heart.  But, it is more important that we keep everyone safe.

In an effort to 'selvage' ( thanks, Marge for the 'selvage' connection) our ability to stay connected, I've started The Featherweight Club forum.  You can sign up and join in posting and communicating about our featherweights, the projects that are keeping us sane during these troubling times, or just about anything else you'd like to chat about.  To register and be a part of the forum, go to www.jdquilts123.proboards.com.  Just click on the box that says to log in or register and follow the instructions.

There has been a plea for sewers to make medical masks out of fabric so I've posted the web address for a pattern designed by Mary Hogan on the new forum.  Go there and make of few of these.  We'll figure out how we're going to get these to the medical people that need them.  Maybe you already know of someone that needs some.  Check out the pattern, please.  ( these pictures aren't from Mary Hogan's instructions but you get the picture)

 

As for us, we are staying in, only going to dr appts and the grocery when necessary.  I don't remember when I've stayed home this long but hey, I'm getting some quilting done.  And, that's not all that bad.  The thing that really made me realize how important this is was something I read about Anne Frank staying hidden over 700 days to stay alive.  We can do this!  I know we can!

Texas was fun but I'm ready for FW stuff again!

We did have such a good time in Texas.  It was warm, I was able to go to a quilt retreat planned by somebody else, we went fishing and I got to cook with my dear son.  Life doesn't get any better than that, right?

One thing that I really enjoyed was going to the market with my son.  The prices for fresh fruits and veggies was awesome and I sure did enjoy my shopping at Letty's.  Okay,  I had to take a picture of the sign.  Letty is one of our great FW gals so I couldn't resist taking this picture of the Letty's sign.

We got back to Michigan a few days before the big snow but my car handled the white stuff just fine and I got things done that I needed to do.  There's always so much to do after a month long trip.

But, now that we're back,  I have some things to remind you about and some wonderful news to report as well.

Our great friend, Kathy Seals and owner of the Quilt Patch where we hang out for classes and such, is happy to announce that her fight with cancer these last few months is over and done with.  And, Kathy won.  She is doing great.  She's so excited to be feeling better and she is really in shock over the kindness of the FW Club gals who treated her and her hubby to a dinner out every month while she was in recovery.  You all are the kindest gals on earth.  She wants you to know that.

The FW Club classes will start back up this month.  We will be having classes either Friday, March 13 or Sunday, March 15.  Please call and get your name on the list (Quilt Patch- 517-423-0053) if you haven't done that already.  Having a count really helps me so I'll have enough handouts printed up.  You don't have to pay until you come to class so don't let that stop you.  Have you been collecting your selvages?  I hope you have a big pile of them because we're going to make a selvage block at this class.  Go over to the class schedule tab to see what you'll need to bring.

There will be a couple of FW maintenance classes coming up soon as well.  I have one scheduled for March 17 and one on April 18.  If you know of someone that needs to learn how to oil, grease, lube and clean up their FW, let them know.  Again, call to get your name on the list.

And, our FW retreat/workshops are coming up really soon, too.  I plan on getting an email off to all the participants this week.  If you need to pay the balance of your retreat fee, you can pay that at one of the FW club classes or mail a check to me.  Thanks to you that have paid in full already.  Watch for your email this week and check your spam, just in case!  Of course, if you have any questions, just email me.

Okay, we're getting ready to set up at the Jackson flea market this weekend.  It's a lot of work but I sure do love seeing those that show up.  There are some good vendors and always some fun things to see.

I hope to see you all at FW Club classes, a maintenance class, or maybe at the retreat/workshop.  Do enjoy the nice weather we've been having.  I think Spring is just around the corner.