Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Food, Love, and Fabric


OK, first things first.  I'm linking up to Rachel's  Scrap Attack with this little number.  I have long been an admirer of the plus quilts floating all over quilty blogs and have wanted to try one for ages.  I used Jeni's tutorial to follow the layout grid, and just cut them to the size I wanted to make a mini version. Actually, when Rachel first started talking about the Festival of Scrappiness, I had planned to do an x and + quilt...which indeed I am doing.  See?

But MY STARS that block takes me for-evvver so I quickly realized I wouldn't be done in time.  But then I saw that minis were acceptable, which was just the gentle push I needed to attack the plus pattern.  I love how it turned out!  Be sure to check out the other links - so many great projects all made with leftover fabric.  I love it when pretty meets practical.

In other news, and the reason for the title of this post...I've been missing in action lately but for legit reasons.  I ended up having unscheduled surgery earlier this month (I'll spare you the gory details), but really, it threw me for a loop.  A very tired loop.  And in a moment of feeling so overwhelmed and just TIRED, my parents swooped in and saved the day by arranging for this:

about 14 meals - fresh, healthy, and delicious- for our family!  I cannot even begin to describe the amount of relief that came with not having to worry about preparing meals during this recovery time.  A giant thank you to my parents for their love and support in this very tangible way.

And what else?  FABRIC!  A cure for what ails you for sure!  I've been very good this year (you know, after a binge around Christmas time) about not buying fabric, but I've been saving for the re-release of Flea Market Fancy by Denise Schmidt.  Here it is!  I indulged in half yard cuts of the entire line, with yardage of the seeds fabric.  And since I was already buying, I had to add some Fresh Cut by Heather Bailey - my all time favorite line!  I've already used some of it and I love it.

Denise Schmidt's Flea Market Fancy

Heather Bailey's Fresh Cut

Oh, and here's my blocks for the Modern Blocks Bee that I made for Krista.  She said we could do whatever block we wanted and to just stay in the blue/black color palate.  I can't wait to see what this quilt is going to look like when it's all done!
















8 comments:

  1. I love it, Valerie! The colors and fabrics you used are fabulous! And the neatly folded fabrics in the background are great, too. Glad to hear you are recovering, that is never fun, especially with little kids to take care of!

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  2. I'm glad you're okay, Val! Your plus mini is adorable! I made one plus pillow, and I really want to make another plus item someday. They are very fun!

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  3. Love, love your plus quilt. One of those is on my list to do. Blessings on your parents for helping out in a very needed way. And wishes to you for a speedy recovery.

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  4. Your plus quilt is stunning, Val. I love the muted blues and greens. And the modern blocks are beautiful, too! Nicely done! I'm sorry I didn't know you were having surgery. Let's get on the phone and catch up sometime soon.

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  5. So crazy about your plus quilt! The colors are fantastic!!

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  6. Glad you were able to join in, Valerie! I've always wanted to do a plus quilt too. Yours turned out great =)

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  7. Hi Valerie!
    I am Julie from Jolie Maxtin and I have awarded you the Liebster Blog Award! Here is the link telling you what it is – and what to do next! http://www.joliemaxtin.com/2012/04/incoming-liebster-blog-award.html

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  8. Awww, Valerie, I'm sorry to hear about the surgery, but I'm so glad you're on the mend! Nothing like a little bit of fabric therapy to expedite the healing process, eh? I love the fabrics you picked out for your + quilt - they look great together!

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