Glorious, gracious gifts

      One of the super cool things about blogging is the people. I have met such wonderful people over the years. Sadly, some have stopped blogging and communicating. Boy, do I miss them! Because some readers know I make comfort quilts almost all the time, they have sent me fabric and quilt tops to finish. What a delight that is! I have been able to back quilts, finish quilts and quilt them with the generosity of others. Recently, I got a boxes of fabrics and I received tops from across the ocean. Can you believe it?

A big load from Gwen!

Loads of strips from Quiltdiva Julie and some great blender yardage! I have already picked patterns for most of the strips and sorted them.

 

     These two phenomenal tops made it across the ocean from Maureen ready for quilting!

     I also love, love vintage sewing machines. Except for my long arm, I piece on vintage sewing machines. Don't ask how many. I don't count my husband's sneakers/shoes and he doesn't count my machines. Anyways, I am always looking out for some great ones to fix/clean and pass on to others as you cannot beat the vintage machines for sewing anything consistently and solidly- Metal machine innards.
     Recently, I found a Kenmore 158.1304 reasonable on ebay and bought it to rehab for a friend whose had a non-functioning plastic Singer (what a surprise) and needs to do some home dec/repair sometimes. Unfortunately the seller packed it very poorly in just brown paper in a poor thin box and it arrived damaged. It was so sad because it was a pristine machine. I went and pleaded for some parts on the Vintage Kenmore sewing machine groups.io, and a woman told me she had the parts for that one and another I had bought locally not noticing that the bobbin door was broken (it was dark, in the garage, and the guy was rushing me- not a good combo). So, she sent me all the pieces from a donor machine and would not take payment for the parts or shipping when she learned what I do with the machines. Because of her generousity, I have 2 machines that have been given new life and one has already been given a home.

These few parts gave 2 machines a new lease on functioning life! Thank you, Marsha!!

 

 

     I am so grateful that people trusted me to make good on their donations and I received such wonderful things to support the comfort quilting efforts!

Rolling stone gathers no moss

      Jordan Fabrics has a free pattern called Rolling Stone. They have a wonderful site and great daily emails with ideas.  I used a layer cake from Anna Maria Horner called Made my day that I got somewhere on special. Her fabric is so, so colorful and lovely. This pattern uses almost every single piece. I finished the top awhile ago, but recently quilted it. I got the backing from Gwen in a box of fabric she sent and it went with the theme of the front fabric I thought, just bigger (why not?). It was a picky pattern to make, but I really like it. I quilted in a new blue Glide and I did lots of stitching on it. I know some of you hate that, but I love turning quilts into textural delights. My taste preference on display.

Trying to get unstuck

       I have no idea how I cannot get posts up. I am working on quilts and paintings and gardening, and I take photos of it, but I cannot sit down and write. My brain seems bound up. I know I have been suffering sleep issues and the normal stuff. I want to get something down here. I think I need to stop reading so many distressing reports and world events as I think that may sucking the juice out of me. I will try and show work I have completed and not try to backtrack what I have missed blogging about. Thank you to those who keep at it that I read everyday. Thank you to those who emailed to see if I was ok. I will try to do baby steps and get posting.
    One quilt that is kind of funky I finished is Jimmy John, free pattern from Jo's Country Junction. A woman in my guild had given me a free jelly roll and I thought it was perfect for this. The tomatoes and peppers will appeal to someone who needs some humorous comfort. I quilted the white part with leaves in Glide Willow (thank you, Julie for showing that color idea). The print parts I just did long line quilting. Rosie jumps in to inspect.

Detail

Backing was donation, green strip to widen, striped binding

     Some spring tulip photos as they were very gorgeous this year in April!