Good Morning dear quilty friends. I've had a need to create, to distract my mind from what's really going on in my life. Quilting isn't really a distraction for my thoughts but a time of meditation and reflection. Allowing my thoughts to go where they will. I'm sure many of you can relate. The HST's below were trimmed a few days ago with the plan of something simple....but
All it took was one phone call to put my mind in a total jumbled up mess of gobblity gook and chaos. Just as an alcoholic would need a drink, I immediately knew I needed to create a quilt. My auto pilot took over and before I new it there was a test block that you can see at the top of the picture below. Funny how such chaos in the mind can produce something so pretty. Would that be the beauty of chaos? The plan is to add some applique...of course. Maybe some petals between the second and third black squares. And a possible appliqued border. Any suggestions on a name for this block? There's so much other gunk in my brain I'm coming up with nothing.
There's really no time to write a tutorial for this block or quilt. But with the dimensions below I think you gals might be able to make one for yourself if you'd like. It finishes at 10.5" in quilt. As for pressing, my first block had a couple bulky spots so you might be better of with your own pressing plan.
The rest of this post is non quilty personal stuff that you may not feel like reading. If that's the case, believe me I understand. A person can only read or hear so many sad stories in a day before you need your own meditation time.
Our personal lives and blog lives effect one another. And if you or I were to stop writing posts we'd be concerned even though we've never met. This is basically just a little heads up that I may become a little MIA again. The phone call I mentioned earlier was from my dad letting me know that moms test came back as cancer. She's been admitted into the hospital for pain management. Once the pain is under control she'll go home and the treatments will start until the cancer has shrunk enough to remove. So in a couple weeks I'll be spending a lot more time away from my studio. You never know it may not effect my blogging. Only time will tell.
Just a quick reminder about my give away. Click here for the details.
I'm link up to today with
DesignWallMonday@PatchworkTimes
Oh Scrap@QuiltingisMoreFunThanHousework
MainCrushMonday@CookinUpQuilts
MondayMakers@HugaBitQuilts
SewCuteTuesday@BlossomHeartQuilts
LinkyTuesday@FreeMotionBytheRiver
FabricTuesday@QuiltStory
~ Lea Anne ~
You and yours are in my prayers as you go on this journey of cancer treatment with your Mum. My Mum has come out the other side after quite some months since December last year, so know in some small way how you are feeling.
ReplyDeleteMany prayers and gentle hugs to you and your family at this time. Family is always first, so don't worry about the blog as we will all be here.
ReplyDeleteSending very best wishes to you, your Mum, Dad and the rest of your family. xx
ReplyDeleteWhat a pretty block Lea Anne! Sorry, I'm no help on the naming of it, I'm sure you'll come up with something. Many thoughts and prayers going out to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteHow about "Flower Garden" for a name. Wishing your Mom a speedy recovery.
ReplyDeleteYou and your family will continue to be in my prayers, Lea Anne. Life is hard sometimes, but thankfully we do have some distractions. Your quilt blocks are beautiful. This shows that often times out of chaos comes beauty.
ReplyDeleteWill be thinking and praying for you and your family. Your block is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThat's a very sweet block. Name it for your mom's favorite flower. I truly understand your "need" to quilt. On 9/11 the only thing I could think of to do was make a quilt with cheater cloth -- required no thought at all but eased the pain. Take care.
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry about your mother. Prayers to all of you. It is easy to see why you are stressed and need to sew. I think it is a great way to let go of some of that tension. Your flower garden is beautiful and maybe you could dedicate it to your mom. How sweet.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you and praying for your mom. That is so tough to go through. Your flower garden block is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteA beautiful block. So sorry about your mom. It seems like some hand work needs to be made ready -- no doubt there will be much waiting time in your future. Take care of yourself even as you help with your mom.
ReplyDeletePrayers for your mom and the whole family. You are like me. When I am stressed I need to be busy. Your beautiful blocks emerged from your upset. I would suggest Garden of Hope for your quilt block name because that is what triggered it. Your blog will survive because your readers care.
ReplyDeleteArts and crafts keep us sane in times of adversity... sending prayers for your mom and your whole family. I've been down this path with my own mom and my brother...there are lots nicer paths in life, but it is the one we ended up on. I'm no help with naming your block but you've gotten lots of good suggestions from those more creative than me. Take cae of yourself as you are taking care of others. The blog and your readers will still be here waiting patiently for your return as we all understand family is the most important part of our lives.... hugs!!!
ReplyDeleteArts and crafts keep us sane in times of adversity... sending prayers for your mom and your whole family. I've been down this path with my own mom and my brother...there are lots nicer paths in life, but it is the one we ended up on. I'm no help with naming your block but you've gotten lots of good suggestions from those more creative than me. Take cae of yourself as you are taking care of others. The blog and your readers will still be here waiting patiently for your return as we all understand family is the most important part of our lives.... hugs!!!
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear what you are dealing with, you are in my thoughts for sure. I do know how 'things' can take away from our daily pleasure and makes us focus on other things. I had a hard time earlier this summer and while usually sewing helps me I just couldn't get my mind to focus on it and I spent a lot of time ripping. I hope all turns out fine for your mom, hugs to you both! As for your block you could always quilt in the leaf petals beside your black chain. Cute block!
ReplyDeleteThats a great block - really very pretty. It's amazing how the mind works and yes getting into the flow of something and keeping the hands busy really helps. I think the sense of accomplishment, doing good work really lifts me too and makes me feel much better when I'm having a bad day.
ReplyDeleteSorry about your Mom. I wish you all the best and hope things get better. Cyber hugs to you Lea Anne!!! I am sure your quilts will wrap your mom in love.
ReplyDeleteYour block is terrific. I'll be praying for your mom, your family and of course you too.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a variation of a Carolina lily block. Love what you've done with it. I'll keep you and your family in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteLea Anne, You are in my prayers. Yes, I too need to create or go work in the garden when the stressful times come. Thank you for sharing. I like the name Garden of Hope mentioned above. Where there is life, there is hope. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteI too am praying for all good things for your Mom, and for you!! Your quilt is just lovely, too.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear of your mother's cancer. A cyber-hug coming your way. Creativity (quilting or writing) can be a wonderful release when stressed, but don't feel pressured to blog if you don't feel up to it.
ReplyDeleteThoughts, prayers and best wishes are with you and your mom.
ReplyDeleteOh, little baby, I am so sorry that you and your Mom have to deal with that! Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you. Anything! XOXO Hugs and prayers!
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking meditative choas as the name for the block. You are so right, piecing blocks & making quilts are great ways to sort of space out and relax the mind!!
ReplyDeleteIt always feels so inadequate to say "I'm wishing your mom the best and will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers" but it's about all I CAN say. Take care.
ReplyDeleteHow about "Flower Power" ? The block is something beautiful that grew from your jumbled thoughts, and will always instantly remind you of your phone call, and the news it brought. But it can also be a symbol of the curative power that creative efforts can bring to us, I hope that your mothers Cancer treatment is successful and will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeletei like garden of hope that someone else mentioned. its a gorgeous block. i understand what you are going thru.
ReplyDeletehang in there!
so sorry to read the teats came back positive, you, Mum and dad will be in my prayers and thoughts hopefullt the tumour will shrink rapidly and the surgery will be successful. Reading other comments tells me yu are getting plenty of prayers from us.
ReplyDeleteThe block is lovely different from any others I have seen before, maybe it should take your name Lea`s block
Wishing your Mum a healthy recovery - maybe you can name your lovely block after her - *Mums Delight* was the first thing that came to mind :)
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about your mom, I will say a prayer for her and you. Take all the personal time you need, family is more important then blogging.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about your mom--my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
ReplyDeleteHygs and prayers for you and your family and the journey she is taking! Keep the faith!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about your mom. Just said a prayer for her and your family as you go through this time.
ReplyDeleteI hope your mom has a quick recovery. I will keep her in my thoughts. I'm terrible at naming things, but the block is very fun!
ReplyDeleteWill be praying for your mom and family. How about "Lillies of Summer" for your quilt name? Cute block in fun colors.
ReplyDeletePrayers to your Mom and family. My thoughts are with all of you.
ReplyDeleteI love your pretty flower block.
You don't know me but I feel that I know you, a little. Stay strong and keep busy. Much love from England...Brenda xxx
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts are with you and your mom. I went through that with my mother. Good luck to you both, and the rest of your family.
ReplyDeleteYou and your family will be in my prayers. As mentioned we do not know one another, but I want you to know that I am sending you a huge hug also. Do not fret about your blog during this time, take care of yourself and your mother, be strong for everyone...but you can let emotions go while you are sewing and share with us whenever you need.
ReplyDeleteSending my very best to you, your mom and your family. It is good that you can find relief in sewing...I hope you continue to be creative during this time. We will be here when you find time again to blog.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your lovely blocks with Oh Scrap! Have you thought about putting all the stems to the center and adding applique to where they join?
I'm so sorry you and your family have more to deal with. I will say many prayers for you. Your blocks are so cute,you did an amazing job creating amidst the chaos!
ReplyDeleteOh, Lea Anne, I'm so sorry to hear about your mom's health. Probably more of us than you know have gone through something similar with a parent. I know that's no comfort. Just know that we've been there, too, and our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you and your mom.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear about your Mom's cancer. And didn't your Dad just have surgery not too long ago? Prayers to you all. If you can't blog, we all understand and will be here with open arms when you return. Oh! And I'll have a few of those blocks made too!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful block. I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. Cancer and the treatments suck! Blessings and strength to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry about your mother and hope they can get the pain under control quickly. As for your block, it reminds me a bit of the Bear's Paw block, so I'd call it Paws for Thought!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful block Lea Anne and I am sorry to hear about your mom. Spend all the time with her you can! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteHow about Hope Blooms as a name? It's a beautiful pattern. Praying for you. Keggensperger at gmail
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine the feels you have going through you. Anne Sutton of Bunny Hill Quilts has just designed a quilt that might interest you.
ReplyDeleteI want to thank you for sharing this very personal moment and event in your life. It's so important that we that care of our bodies.