Wednesday, July 18, 2018

I Joined a QAL


This may or may not surprise you, but I have decided to join in on a quilt along.  I have not been sewing full steam ahead now for almost three weeks (maybe four).  Life has thrown a major curve ball that has left me feeling a bit empty and my head is spinning.  I've been focusing on me and decided that this QAL with Roseanne and Sue at Home Sewn By Us is exactly what I needed.  There are really no rules, no time frame to finish and three quilts to choose from.  I will be making the Up From Here modern quilt because, well...I need everything to be up from here.  Seems fitting.

I decided from the get go this will be a quilt that I will sell.  With fall right around the corner, I decided to go with the colors of the WV Mountaineers, blue and gold.  This would make someone a fun football quilt.  I took to Facebook to take a poll on which color version people liked better, more blue or more gold.

I actually found myself drawn to the one of the right, more gold.  But almost overwhelmingly, people like the one on the left better.  The people spoke and so I sew on.


I popped by a local quilt shop to pick up some on sale yardage to get myself started and over all I'm happy with my selections.


The pieces cut up very quickly and I'm happy to report I am half way done with sewing the blocks.


The construction is very reminiscent of Sandra's Play Time Plus Quilt, which I promise has it's own finished post coming soon.  I believe I may be able to have a flimsy finish on Up From Here later this weekend and that feels really good say.

I apologize for kind of falling off the blogisphere over the past couple weeks.  I am happy to report that I am almost down 20lbs and feeling rather good.  I think I may hold off until August to bring back our UFO Linky Party, hopefully everyone who was joining me on Saturdays will come back and play some more.  The first block of Fireburst is still scheduled for August 1st and I can't wait to share it with everyone!

Also an update on my beloved Newton.  Sadly, we made the decision on July 2nd to let him go.  His tumor just kept growing and he finally stopped eating.  It was one of the hardest decisions I've had to make, but one that had to happen out of love.  It took about a week, but his litter mate Becker, is doing well.  He's stopped sniffing me every time I leave the house and come back in and has returned to my chair stealing, food all over the floor messy goober that I've always loved.


23 comments:

Vasudha said...

Tish,
So sorry about Newton. Letting go is the hardest thing to do though you know it is for the best.
I'm thinking of joining that QAL as well but not till later. I have my fabric picked for your Fireburst QAL as well but haven't got much further. Too many projects and too little time.
I love the blue and gold on white.

Nancy J said...

Newton, a decision made with the most love ever. I know how that would be . Love those blues and golds, this will be a super quilt.

chrisknits said...

So sorry about your loss. I hope you are able to get back to sewing and that life turns around for you.

Stitchin At Home said...

So sorry about the loss of Newton, our pets are part of our family. I like your fabric pull of blues and golds.

Sharon said...

So sorry to hear about your Newton! Always a tough decision to make. I love your new blue and gold quilt. Could also represent Montana State. 👍

Lisa J. said...

Sorry to hear about Newton. That must be very difficult for you and for David. I'm planning on making that quilt as well and I'm hoping to catch up with Fireburst soon.

Susan said...

My condolences on the loss of Newton. Life does throw us curve balls, and it takes time to get through to the other side. That's the version of the quilt I'm making, too, but in red and black on the lightest of yellows. I haven't started yet, though, and won't until probably September. I think either of your quilt colorings would have been a hit. I kinda lean toward the more yellow one, too, and I find that shocking because until recently, I'd hardly ever had any yellow in my quilts and now I have it in two! Your blocks looks awesome! One of the things I like is they aren't tiny blocks, so I'll actually get this finished! LOL

Tu-Na Quilts said...

Sounds like you've had a rough month. Hopefully, you'll find yourself moving upwards and onwards from here on out. I've wondered why I had not heard from you. I hope you received my email which was weeks ago. Keep on smilin' even when you don't feel like it as it helps!

Anja @ Anja Quilts said...

Sorry about Newton. [hugs] Definitely you need to take time for YOU. We'll always be here waiting. I'm toying with joining that QAL. But must resist. LOL

Yvonne from Quilting Jetgirl said...

I am very sorry to hear about Newton. Those decisions are very hard to make. I'm sending you virtual hugs.

I think using WVU colors looks great, and I hope it helps lift you up to be making something fun. I look forward to see it come together!

Brenda @ Songbird Designs said...

I'm so very sorry to hear of your loss. Those decisions are so hard and make your heart sad.

Louise said...

My deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved pup Newton. Such a difficult time for your whole family. I'm sure he is deeply missed. You're in my thoughts, Tish.

piecefulwendy said...

And I'm so sorry about Newton, Tish. Having just lost my cat, I know how difficult that is. Those fur babies sure work their way into our hearts. Hugs to you!

Vicki in MN said...

I know the hard feeling of that decision-we had to make it many years ago. But I am happy for you in the weight loss dept. You are doing an awesome job-keep it up girl!! If I was doing that sew along I would choose the same quilt to do.

Jayne said...

It has been almost a year since we had to make the same decision you made with Newton. I know exactly what you are going through and I am so sorry for your loss. It gets easier. It just takes some time. I wish you and your family the best. As for the QAL...you joining does not surprise me!! It looks like a fun QAL to join. Hope you are doing better and look forward to more Tish on the internet!

dq said...

So sorry for your struggles, Tish. A QAL to brighten your days is a great idea. Congratulations on losing 20 lbs. I am still struggling away at weight loss. Now that I am staying home I can control my food intake better than when I was traveling.

Keep one foot in front of the other.

I will continue to follow your blog and link up in the fall when you are ready again.

Home Sewn By Us said...

Hi Tish! {{{Hugs}}} a bunch for you. I know how hard it is to make that decision for Newton, but he was counting on you to do it. Aww, it is just so hard though. It's like a piece of you is missing and they are so integral in a family. Thank you for the shout out and joining in the sew along. I knew the colors of your fabrics but seeing them makes it even more special. This really does go together quickly, doesn't it. Our first block pieces are hanging out on the design wall but I can easily imagine it all together after the two deadline pieces. {{Hugs}} again. I'm thinking and praying for you.
Happy Thursday! ~smile~ Roseanne

Ioleen said...

So very sorry for your loss.

Sandra Walker said...

Look at all the love coming back atcha in the comments my friend. :-) Tears in eyes as I read the end bit, beautiful photo collage tribute to the boy around whom I had my arm for the photo I love that I've used as my Island Batik photo, for an upcoming magazine publication, my Etsy store... I always know he's a big part of the reason I have such a big smile in that photo. The other is being with you in person, much-treasured time. I am glad you are sewing, and who knew, but of course we both did, that we'd sew the same pattern!

Sue said...

So sorry to hear about Newton. I've had to make those decisions in the past too and then tortured myself with was it too early for one and should it have been done earlier for the other. I'm glad to see you're back and up to your usual squirrel chasing activities.

Kate said...

So sorry about Newton. Hope your new project helps in lifting your spirits. And congrats on losing the 20 lbs. That is no easy feat!

KaHolly said...

How very sad, Tish, I’m so sorry! Great news about your personal goal, however! Don’t be losing too much too fast! Have fun making your pretty QAL!

Sandy Panagos said...

I really like the fabrics you chose for your quilt along. And so sorry about Newton. I'm sure you have many precious memories of him.

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