Monday, July 25, 2011

Therapy, Rest and Relaxation


The sewing machine is always set up and ready to go at Mother's, so of course I had to make a quilt when I went to visit. This is a baby quilt for Project Linus:  http://projectlinus.org/




The Project Linus mission is "to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans."

This quilt, like most of the quilts I make, is about 3 ft by 4 ft, with a very low loft, pieced on the front and backed with a corresponding fabric. I did something a little different with this one. Here's a detail:


I made each 9-patch block, and then I joined the blocks with a thin strip of a red print. It was made by cutting one inch strips, folding in half lengthwise, and placing on the seam when I joined the blocks. I like the effect, so I think I'll do it again.

I machine quilted it on the diagonal. That was different for me and, because I don't do straight lines well, I had to draw every line before I stitched it. I like the way it came out, though, and it was actually easier because the bias of the fabric eases better and doesn't pucker.

Even more fun than the sewing at my Mother's house were the long conversations, about politics, family history, Meadville doings and good books.

She loaned me Dreams From My Father, by Barack Obama, and suggested another book she has read called The Peabody Sisters of Salem. I ordered the sisters from Amazon.com while I was in Meadville, and it arrived today. I love the cover:




So - my suitcase is half unpacked, because we had Beth over the weekend, went to the grocery store, watched movies, etc. And I have a long "to do" list at the house, but I will take time to read.

A good book is the very best therapy, escape, R&R, etc.

Maybe even better than drawing and sewing.

What are you doing for rest and relaxation?


5 comments:

Jude Ongley-Mowris said...

This quilt is even prettier in person! I LOVE that idea of the contrasting fold between the blocks. You are so clever! Well done! (now for goodness sake get that bag unpacked )!

Anonymous said...

I think the fact that the bag never gets unpacked very quickly is Carol's way of "planning" the next trip to Mom's house.
Who can blame her,there is no place like home!

Jude Ongley-Mowris said...

Ah, good point!!!! I totally get that!

Anonymous said...

Vous avez de bons points il, c'est pourquoi j'aime toujours verifier votre blog, Il semble que vous etes un expert dans ce domaine. maintenir le bon travail, Mon ami recommander votre site.

Mon francais n'est pas tres bon, je suis de l'Allemagne.

Mon blog:
rachat credit consommation simulation puis rachat de credit interdit bancaire

Carol Shoemaker said...

Hi, Person from Germany Who Speaks French. With a little help from Google I translated your message to English, and verified that your website is "Safe."
"You have good points there, so I always check your blog, it seems that you are an expert in this field. keep up the good work, My friend recommended your site. My french is not very good, I'm from Germany. My blog: buy consumer credit debt consolidation loan simulation and prohibited banking."