Friday, September 20, 2013

Home At Last!

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, thank you all again for your thoughts and prayers as I travel this bumpy road to recovery.

Kudos to all the staff at the Restorative Care Center at our local hospital. Without their assistance and encouragement, I wouldn't be home today. They helped me get to the point where I am now able to get around with a walker which was my ultimate goal in order to be able to return home.  

Our house is literally upside down and in a state of chaos.  While I was in the hospital, Mr. Painted Quilt moved our bedroom downstairs into the living room because I won't be able to navigate stairs until I am able to walk without the aid of a walker.  In order to make things easier for me to get around, much of our furniture has been moved either into the workshop and/or sunroom.  It sure looks different around here which has got me to thinking that perhaps this is the little push I needed to think about downsizing and parting with of some of my stuff treasures.  I envision a HUGE yard sale in the Spring!

Because my sewing room is upstairs, it goes without saying that nothing is happening in that area.  How I miss it! 

Unbeknownst to me while I was in the hospital, Debbie, a member of our guild who also happens to manage our local quilt shop, organized and collected fat quarters for me from both guild members and the gals who meet and sew in her shop.  I was totally surprised when she came to visit me in the hospital bearing this basket filled to the brim with fat quarters!



I love them all and they will all be put to good use as soon as I can get back to sewing.  Thank you again, my friends!




Even though I'm not sewing, I am staying busy.  My best friend and quilting buddy Debra told me that it was time for me to get "back in the saddle" and suggested that we make a Baltimore quilt.  I've always loved Baltimore quilts and vowed when I started quilting about seven years ago that I would make one someday.



There are twenty-five blocks to this quilt so you know it's going to be a work-in-progress.  

We decided to make ours using the raw edge machine applique method using scraps and offcuts of batik fabrics from Debra's stash.


  
Yes, you read correctly...batiks!  I do like batiks but I love my Civil War and reproduction fabrics more.  I've never made anything from batiks and this for me will really be stepping out of that proverbial box!

To date we've traced and cut out seven blocks leaving eighteen more to go...but who's counting?  *wink*


  
Tomorrow we are getting together again to cut out and prep another four or five blocks and hopefully more.  It is our goal to have all twenty-five blocks prepped in time so that we can start to applique them at our long weekend "Dogpatch" retreat in October.

NOTE *  A few of you asked me about the pattern that I used to make the scrappy star quilt that I posted about before being hospitalized.  As soon as I can get into my sewing room I'll locate the pattern and provide you with the details.  If I forget, please don't hesitate to remind me.  I don't know how long this "anesthetic fog" is going to hang around.


Happy stitching!

91 comments:

antique quilter said...

I am so happy your home again. Have been thinking of you. Look forward to seeing appliqué blocks I love that quilt!

Janet O. said...

Welcome home, Kaaren!!
What a thoughtful gesture from your local quilters.
And good for Debra for getting you going on a project you can do even without your sewing room.
Oh, that quilt is a beauty and I am anxious to see it in batiks. Are you using a white background, or a creamy batik, or black? Just curious.
Like you, CW fabrics are my first love, but batiks come in second.

Sandi said...

Welcome home Kaaren, I'm sure you are so pleased to be in a familiar space albeit not on the right level. Kudos to Mr. P.Q. For reorganizing.your space.

Take it slow and easy, glad you have a new project to work on.

Quilt n Queen said...

There is no place like home...even if it is upside down. In time it will get back in order...priority is looking after 'you'. Hand stitching is good!! Take care

gracie said...

Congratulations on getting back home! Everyday will bring you closer to full recovery.

Kate said...

Congratulations on being home again. Take care.

Kathy MacKie said...

Welcome home and may everyday bring renewed strength and energy!

Vroomans' Quilts said...

Happy Dance for you - welcome home. A hand project is just the right medicine at this point.

Sheila said...

So nice to know you are home recovering and I think it is great you have started prepping a new quilt , can't think of a better way to heal :-) Take care and gentle hugs. Sheila

Abby and Stephanie said...

There's no place like home! I know all 3 boys are glad to have you back home. Nothing more therapeutic than having a friend to play fabric with.

Jackie said...

Wishing you a speedy road to recovery. The basket of fat quarters was such a thoughtful gesture.
Oh gee whiz…I have that book too and looked at it the other day. I like the idea of prepping the applique and placing them in the baggies. I will have to go find my baggies now.
Thanks for your inspiration and hope you get well soon.
Jackie

Kris said...

Oh, Kaaren - It is so so good to see you are back in your home with Mr. Painted Quilt!! What a blessing that must feel like!! You are in my prayers and I love that you are doing a Baltimore quilt in BATIKS!! How fun!! Take care and enjoy each day as it comes!!

Darlene said...

Welcome home, Kaaren. Home the place to fully recover and get back to your old self. Won't take long - I just know it.

(((Hugs)))

Sydney said...

Welcome home! Wishes and prayers that the rest of your recovery is speedy! As always Hugs and <3

Gayle said...

I think a bundle of fat quarters is a MUCH better 'get well' gift than flowers ever would be! Good to see you post!

Heartsdesire said...

How wonderful, Kaaren, to hear that you are back home again. I'm sure it will be no time before you are able to get up to your sewing room and start turning out those beautiful quilts that you make. Take care, though. Best not to rush things too much. Not so sure about the batiks. Civil War fabrics overrule everything. However, applique is a little different from making a whole quilt of batiks.

Deb said...

Glad to hear that you're finally back home. I'm praying for a speedy recovery so you can get back to sewing!

Kindred Quilts said...

Kaaren, so nice to hear you are back home and prepping batik blocks for your October retreat! That's the way to stay busy! Here's to a speedy recovery and stepping back into your sewing room!

Marsha B said...

It is good to know you are home. Take it easy and I hope your full recovery happens quickly. The Baltimore quilt sounds lovely and a change in fabrics makes us stretch the boundaries. Have fun with it!

Linda Crosby said...

Welcome Home Kaaren, Take the time to heal while touching all of that great looking fabric.

Donna~~ said...

Home Sweet Home! Glad you are back at home. Hopefully you will be climbing the stairs soon (with sewing room as motivation--how could you not be). The batik project looks like fun.

Kate/Massachusetts said...

I am so glad you are home!! Today as I was about to click the link to your blog, I just knew you would be home! I bet your little fur-kids were sure happy to see you!

marie said...

There's no place like home, welcome back. One step at a time, one day at a time. Here's to a speedy recovery so you can be in your sewing room soon.

Wendy Caton Reed said...

Oh Happy Happy Day! All the best to you in your rapid recovery and Happy Quilting!

Wendy Caton Reed said...

Oh Happy Happy Day! All the best to you in your rapid recovery and Happy Quilting!

Anne said...

So happy to hear you're home. That usually does wonders for recovery! So glad that you and your friend will be busy with that beautiful Baltimore! Thinking of you!

barcord said...

So happy to know you are home again. I am sure Mr PQ is delighted to have you home with him. Take care, and enjoy this time of recovery. God Bless.

Clara {Clover and Violet} said...

So happy you are home again! And you have wasted no time getting back into sewing! Wow you are amazing!!
Take care!

Terry said...

Welcome home! :0)

Margs Primitive Quilts said...

I am so happy to hear you are "Home Sweet Home" again Kaaren.
There is no place like it. Your sewing friends are real Treasures.
I LoVe CW fabs too; but every now and again I do venture out of my "comfort" zone too :)
Take good care of you and in no time you will be stitching and designing again .
Always look forward to your posts.

Janice Smith said...

So glad to learn you are home. I bet Ollie is happy to have his mom home. ;-)

Diane said...

Welcome Home!! I am so glad you are on the mend, and I wish you a very successful recovery. I have been thinking of you and hoping that things were headed in the right direction. Hang in there!

Jackie's Stitches said...

So glad to hear you're home. I know you are too! I'm not accustomed to working with batiks either but the baggies of pieces you're working with look good. Love the bright pink!

Sheila said...

So glad to hear that you are home, take one day at a time and before you know it, you will be climbing those stairs. Take care :)

Candace said...

Home is the best place to be, Kaaren! I'm so glad you've made it back! I bet Ollie and Frankie were ecstatic to see you! Kudo's to Mr. PQ for making things accessible to you! I'm sure making a Baltimore Album quilt will take your mind off the bad things and help to focus on getting better!
Cheers!

Carin said...

Ohh I'm so happy that you are home again Kaaren !!
And I see you are prepping a baltimore with batiks, can't wait to see your first blocks when you start these.
Take care and take your rest.

Susannah said...

Oh my goodness...I am glad you are home!!!! And what things you have to look forward to. I have always admired any Baltimore quilt. They just are so neat and fantastic. You will probably have yours done in no time at all.

Please take care of yourself. Many good wishes and thoughts are sent to you today. May God keep you in his arms.

Susannah

Rita said...

Welcome home!!

Your new Baltimore project looks to be a great one. Enjoy!

Joyce Carter said...

I am so happy that you are home. It sounds like you are feeling well. I hope you get back into the swing of things very, very soon. And you know sewing is the best medicine.
I love the Baltimore quilt and have always wanted to make one. Can;t wait to watch yours as you make progress on it.
Take care and I will continue to keep you in my prayers for a full recovery very soon.

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

So glad you made it home!!! You have fun with your friend making that Baltimore.

Janet-Olde Crow Primitives said...

Hi Kaaren. So glad you were able to get home. No place like home. I hope you have a speedy recovery and you will be able to get back to what you love doing very soon. How thoughtful of all your friends to bless you with all of those fat quarters.
Janet

Jeanna said...

So great to hear you are home now Kaaren! Praying for continued healing!

I love Baltimore quilts and have a Halloween one to work on. So far, one block is finished...only 12 more to go. I think I will work that into a BOM routine soon.

Enjoy this new project with Debra. I look forward to following your progress, quilty and healthwise :)

Angie said...

Girl, you really have had your share of lemons!! I am so glad that the surgery is behind you and that you are now home. That really is all that matters---you are home with you Mr. PQ and your furbabies to help you with your recovery. Sending hugs of healing.

Shuttle, Hook and Needle said...

Glad you are home and doing well!

Ann in PA said...

How wonderful that you are home! What a great time to do a Baltimore Album Quilt. The batiks will be beautiful. Have fun with your sweet friend as you sit, sew and mend.

Darlene D said...

What a great basket! So glad you're back home and enjoying your own surroundings! You'll be upstairs in the nest before you know it! Batiks?? Wow, that is outside the box! Looking forward to "Dogpatch"

sandi s said...

I am so happy for you and your hubby that you are home! I think your new project is going to be awesome. I'm a repro gal also but it's good to stretch also. Take care, you are in my thoughts and prayers often. Hugs, Sandi

Sandy said...

So very happy that you are home again. How great that your sewing buddy is helping you do this to have you get your mojo back. Have fun with the batiks, I have been collecting and will be starting my first batik quilt soon too.

Judymc said...

So glad you are home and doing well! Isn't it great that our sewing machines can be carried to wherever we need them to be!!! I've always wanted to make a Baltimore Album, too--maybe your quilt will inspire me to get my books out. You will be glad you are machine stitching the batik fabrics. I needle turn appliqued some batik blocks and it wasn't easy. That fabric needs the machine!

Ronda said...

Kaaren so glad to here you are home!!! miss you out here in blog land. cant wait to see your batik quilt! I love Baltimore album quilts. you know a little hand work will do a body good.

Pat said...

Karen, so glad to hear that you are back home and sounding well. Take care and enjoy your new project.

MoeWest said...

I'm glad to hear that you are finally back home Kaaren. It's a good time to start an applique project!

Steven said...

Welcome Home! And what a great project to get started on. I have that book too! It is on the top of my pile for my next large hand applique project. I can't wait to start it.

colleen said...

Kaaren,
So wonderful you are home and your husband made you a bed down stairs .... What a keeper he is!!
Anyway I am a newish friend and so sorry you have had this happen to you I have heard the "cure" is very difficult to endure and you are surely having to endure alot.
Best wishes for your recovery and you are on my prayer list
Colleen in Benicia
On the left coast USA

Kristy said...

So glad you are home! I am also glad to see you trying your hand with batiks. You will love their colors and just the way they look in the designs you are doing. They are a bit tight to sew through so don't let that discourage you. Hope you can continue to make progress quickly. Glad to see a post from you today- K-

margaret said...

good to hear you are home and on teh road to recovery,
The baltimore quilt will be a good project to work on whilst convalesing

Elizabeth said...

Best wishes and get better very soon. Glad to hear you are home, hospitals do a wonderful job but home helps you recover much quicker.
Batiks are much better looking in a Baltimore quilt than on a roll. I too prefer older style fabrics but wanted to make a mini Baltimore and I love it so I'm sure you'll love making your quilt and enjoy it even more when it's complete. I look forward to following your progress.

Saskia Smit said...

Good to 'see' you again Kaaren!

Vicki said...

Great news Kaaren.


Merilyn said...

So glad to hear that you are home again Kaaren, you must be so glad to be in familiar surroundings again, and to be able to enjoy the company of not only Mr P.Q., but also your furry little mates!!!!
What a wonderful project to be getting into, lots of relaxing handwork, I'm sure that your Batik Baltimore will be just beautiful, and so nice to be able to share the experience with a friend at the same time. I do hope you have continued good recovery, because you know what is waiting for you up those stairs LOL!! All the very best to you, look forward to seeing your Baltimore progress!!!!

Denise said...

I'm so happy You are at home!!!
Now relax and have good sewing :)

Marcia said...

Welcome home. I am sure your animals were very happy to see you. Here's to a speedy recovery.

Karin på Ösäter said...

So nice to hear that you are back home, and so sweet friends, it sounds like you are well cared for.
I look forward to photos from Baltimor applique quilt.

Hugs// Karin

Me and My Stitches said...

So glad that you are home and on the mend! I bet your hubby and furry kids are all thrilled that you are home. That sure is a great basket of fabric - sure to lift your spirits! And you girls are going to be busy with all of that applique. What a great idea to work on that now, when you can't get to your sewing room. It will be wonderful to have all of that prep work finished. I don't do a lot with batiks, but think they are really beautiful, I do get them out occasionally to make jewelry with them and always like the results!

Anonymous said...

Hi Kaaren

So glad to hear you are home. Everyone must be so happy. Good to hear you are doing a bit of quilting. Time will go faster.
Enjoy
Dianne

Needled Mom said...

So glad that you are home again, Kaaren. It must be killing you to not be able to get to the sewing area, but I am so glad that you have a big project to work on. Take care and get stronger so you can climb those stairs.

Louise said...

What happy news to hear that you are home! That is a huge step in recovery I think. Nice to have a friend to work on the Baltimore Album quilt with. Continued good thoughts and prayers for both you and your husband.

Tina said...

So glad you are home again! It is true that there is "no place like home"! Welcome back and here's to continued progress and getting rid of your walker!!!

P.S. I bet Ollie went nuts when he saw you! Dogs are the best medicine.

andsewon said...

How wonderful for you to be home again! Best wishes for your continued improvement!With such a thoughtful DH and dear friend it will go by fast! Lovely quilt project.
Lola

Karen said...

So glad to hear you are home again. That's such a wonderful idea to do with your friend. All the best on your road to recovery!

Lee Prairie Designs said...

Home again, home again...Jiggy, Jig!!!!

Hugs, Carolyn

Sue said...

Kaaren, It's so lovely to hear you are home and on the mend. Maybe for a little light relief you could start a Hexagon quilt, using the glue method.
A great thing to do if you can't get to the sewing machine.
If you google
Sue Daley English Paper Piecing on you tube - you'll see how she glues her hexies.
Good luck!

Claddaughquilting said...

So happy to hear you are home again. I am sure your recovery will go much faster being home with Mr. PQ and your furry friends. Take care and take it slow....

mayme said...

So So happy to hear you are home. Any chance the sewing machine could be brought downstairs until you can go up? Sure hope so. Looks like you have a good start on the next project.

Tammy said...

What wonderful news. Nothing like being in ones own home. I am happy to hear you have started on a new quilt

Lesley said...

You are in the perfect spot for recovery, surrounded by the things you love and a Baltimore quilt to keep you busy! What were you thinking...giggle! Hope each day is better than the last and that we will hear the engine roar from your sewing machine very soon. Be well...

Ruth K said...

Glad you are home. God Bless.

JudyCinNC said...

What a wonderful and fulfilling project to be undertaking ... while you recuperate and heal. Just so glad you are home and the upside down, topsy turvy will sort itself out. We all know that growing older is not for wimps and we prove it everyday when we get yet another obstacale thrown at us. Keep your spirits up and hopefully all will be going your way soon. Judy C in NC thinking about you

Sandra said...

So glad you're home. Life is a journey and sometimes we have to take a detour; this just leads us along a different path till we're ready to go "home".

Well done to Mr PQ for relocating your room. The Baltimore Project will be beautiful. Batiks are my absolute favourites. Looking forward to seeing your progress. Take good care of yourself.

Sue said...

Wishine you a speedy recovery x

Bonnie said...

So glad to hear that you are home. The same chaos is taking place at my house. Furniture moving, setting up a bed in the living room, etc. My husband is getting a hip replacement this Thursday, and will be going with a walker for awhile. Luckily, there is a sewing machine set up in the living room, because he has a quilt started and will be able to sew while recovering. Hope you can move a machine downstairs so you can sew. It will make recovery go so much faster.

suz said...

welcome home Kaaren - I'm sure your recovery will continue quicker now you are there. Can't wait to see how your blocks progress!

Joanne Lavallee said...

I'm so glad to hear you are home and quilting! Have fun with your Baltimore, I can't wait to see it. Take care

Lori said...

So happy to hear you are home! The quilt you are prepping looks lovely and I'm sure a great way to pass the time.

Anonymous said...

the new quilt sounds like the perfect out of the box, let's do something new project. Welcome home, prayers continuing... special hugs just for you.

Elizabeth Ann said...

I hope being home for the last few days you are feeling stronger. I pray for a speedy recovery for you. Your quilt will be beautiful when its done but I know you will enjoy every stitch making it....

Lynn - JnL4God said...

Kaaren, So glad to hear you are home. Praying for continued healing and recovery. Hugs, Lynn

Stupidosaur said...

Wish you a a quick and complete restoration to good health. Happy quilting :)

Pam in IL said...

So glad to hear you are home! That basket full of goodies is sure to inspire you.

Sending hugs and keeping you in my prayers.

Lise said...

Good to hear you are at home again! An some vitamin Q is good for you recovery I think ;-)

Judy said...

I follow you via email but would also like to follow your blog but have not found any place to sign up . I would also like to know how you like the new steam a seam 2. I had an issue with my steam a seam 2 and mentioned it to my local quilt shop owner and was told they did have some problems also. Wondering if I just happened to get a bad batch. When I contacted them about it I did I never received a reply. Glad you are home and are able to do some sewing.