Where to even start........ Louise and I decided to finally meet up at a local quilt shop and then have some lunch. We poked around the quilt shop for a bit, then went out to the car to head to lunch. Louise said she had something she wanted to show me....she had a quilt in her bag. Oh goodie! I love show and tell! OMG!!!! It was a hug quilt from the huggers!!!!!! I broke into tears immediately.....which kinda surprised me. After all, my father's passing has been over 6 months ago...I'm over it....right?? The thought that I'd been bestowed with such kind thoughts and caring was instantly overwhelming. There is no way to thank you all...it means so much to me. But.....THANK YOU ALL!! I will cherish it, but more than that....I'll cherish the people who took the time to plan, sew and deliver it. I know I'll be sure to participate in future hugs even more enthusiastically. I've read over the years what a feeling it evokes, but it never sunk in until now. I'm humbled and thankful. Love to all...... BTW....Louise and I almost stayed at the restaurant until it was time for another meal! We will certainly be meeting up again! It was like meeting a long lost friend.
It's been a great day! I was beginning to think KJ and I would never get a time set to meet up, but all things come together when they're supposed to and another HUG has been delivered. I've had a couple of pictures posted in my 2008 Quilts album (see link below) for a while, but I hadn't identified them as KJ's quilt. Now I've been able to add a picture of her with the HUG. Be warned, however, that the camera creates an optical illusion of sorts - we both agreed we think we're 5'9", with gorgeous (natural) blond hair, and look like we're 29, but the camera doesn't quite capture the same image. I think it's time for a new camera!
KJ is delightful - I know several of you have already met her, and I'm just sorry it took me so long. We laughed, ate, laughed some more (and both of us spent some money at the quit shop) and enjoyed every minute of it. Oh, and of course, we talked about all of you - were your ears burning?
Others have said that if you get a chance for a meet-up, take it. I second and third that recommendation - don't miss out on a chance to meet the wonderful friends we've all met on this newsgroup.
It undoubtedly will Pat! DH was looking at the signatures and said, "Is that one really from Germany?", then "the UK?"....."Look at all the places these signatures are from!" He was quite moved that we have such an international group of friends. Hummmm....maybe that will encourage him to come with me to visit some of my international friends....... I was going to say, take me to go see some of my international friends...but I thought I'd be more assertive! ;-) He and I did go see Jo, so I know he's capable!
I'm so glad you have your hug to wrap around you; there's no feeling quite like it. And - it is such a pleasure to get to see all those 9-patches so beautifully arranged. I'll bet the 'doing of that' was a lot of fun. For certain, Kathyl, you'll miss your Dad every day of your life, but the memories will grow sweeter. Hold tight to the promise that you'll see him again. I'm sure you hugged Louise for all of us. Polly
Oh yes I did. A couple times! I saw the quilt on Louise's website earlier and had thought to myself. Aren't those 9-patches lovely? A simple pattern made so elegant with batiks.....little did I know. :-)
I understand completely, Kathy. I am also the grateful and comforted recipient of a Hug quilt. MSM passed away in January, and that beautiful Hug is an enormous comfort in those moments when grief threatens to become overwhelming. It's something to treasure and cherish forever.
I think this may be the prettiest hug quilt I have ever seen -- the simplicity of the sashed nine-patches in combination with the batik colors is absolutely stunning. Great job you hug makers.
I have managed to finish hand quilting a baby quilt byt not sewn on the binding yet. That is about it. I had hoped to do some sedwing this summer but I have been asked to present at a local autism conference on the subject of teaching grade level science to students with autism and developmental delays. Between preparing for the presentastion and attending professional developement conferences, my summer is about used up.
I am going to pIttsburgh, PA weekend after next to attend a bridal shower for my baby daughter, and no I haven't even begun a quilt for her and yes, I am ashamed.
Last school year was pretty tough -- I got hurt pretty frequently. This coming year looks to be at least as bad, if not worse.
Belated Happy Anniversary. Jim and I will celebrate our 40th by throwing a wedding for our daughter, which actually makes me pretty happy!
Since I am taking so much time off forthe wedding in September, I will notbe able to get time off for Festival, but I really would like to get together for dinner with all who do make it to Houston.
Well, good for you w/ the conference. I'd like to hear more about that. Congrats to the new bride-to-be & her lucky gentleman, and to you parents. Trip to Pittsboig, let me check the temps before I send a yee-haw for that. September wedding? That gives you 2 months to get a quilt finished. Or started, anyway.
I started one for Eli & Erica; it's On Hold for a couple of days while I clean & clear a space for all the stuff that lived on the countertops. (Installers due tomorrow; first I have to clear the c-tops, but first I have to clear a spot in the breakfast room to put more stuff, but first I have to move the tall table so there's room for that stuff, but first I have to clear off that table to move it, but first I put my shoes on in case something falls [not me, I hope].. Life is full of But Firsts.) Anyway, the kids are getting married in August. In Las Vegas. But first they want a pre-wedding reception, since she did buy a dress (the first in a long time) she wants everyone to see, and they want to have some kind of celebration. So I'm organizing this shindig, indoors (hello! it's August!), w/ fajitas and "something nice but not fancy"; I suggested a black & silver color scheme, they agreed, Erica also wants a cupcake tower instead of a layered wedding cake; I can arrange for that, too. And did. The plan is: the reception, then a trip to Vegas (hello! in August!), married somewhere there, then back home to attend Ozz Fest. & Metallica!!! Ozz Fest, in Frisco, Tx., outdoors: In AUGUST!!
The quilt is a blue & black LogCabin Star. I got inspired by a red&black LC I saw in a quilt show, sat down w/ the graph paper & colored markers and mapped out a plan; cut a bunch of 2" strips, got about 1/3 of the blocks made, then this kitchen project came up, immediately followed by the reception plans. Yesterday's trip to JoAnn's netted about 30 yards of black net to go on the tables (net for 99 cents a yard, & a 40% coupon - I love it!), and some black 1/4 yd strips for the quilt; that fabric bled like crazy, which I kind of expected; it's washed & dried & ready to be cut. Soon.... Another spool of lavender Gütermann for the current quilting project, several friendly J-A employees and clerks, and I was a happy shopper. No plans for the Really Big Quilt Show in Houston this year, but if you set up a time for dinner, well, why not? Or a shopping trip to Old Town Spring in Dec. & a meet-up; we can celebrate the election.
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Good luck, Elizabeth, with your summer & autumn plans.
R/Sandy - sorry to miss Metallica, but, sheesh: August!
Thanks, Sandy. I had been feeling pretty lonely up until the day Pati brought the Hug. It is such a blessing to be surrounded by a circle of friends like the folks on RCTQ. Not feeling nearly so isolated any more.
My SIL planned a big, not optional family get together a few years back. In Las Vegas. In July. Outside. My first words to DH when I heard the plan was "What did we do to make her hate us that much?" ROFLOL
Gosh, even those of us who live here don't plan outdoor parties (unless they involve swimming pools, mister systems and lots of shade and cool drinks!) for the hot summer months!
The kids' wedding: I doubt they'll be outside much. Does anyone staying in one of The Hotels on the Strip or next door actually experience "outside" in LV?
Cheers! And, again, it's good to have you back here.
Thanks, Sandy! :) My eyes are still giving me two of everything, but I just couldn't be patient any longer.
Sometimes. ;) People look down the street and see that there's another casino just down the block, so they start walking. They don't realize how *long* those blocks can be. LOL! But there are all sorts of pedestrian walkways above street level these days, so at least waiting for lights to turn green at corners is minimized.
Thanks again! :) It's good to be back, though I may not make it every day -- it's still difficult to read type this small.
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