Forecast? Continued Ghastlie!

I really have to apologize for not getting back to the Ghastlies instructions sooner, but I plan to remedy that this weekend--barring any unforeseen circumstances as have seemed to arise in my life lately.

When I last left you (those of you intrepid quilters who wished to follow in my Ghastlie footsteps), you were fussy cutting your Ghastlie images and bordering them in black sashing--at least that's what I used. You, of course, may use whatever you wish. Let's continue on, shall we? I have a photo of the quilt top below just for reference.

I'm afraid you're going to have to do a little math at this point. Bummer, eh? But I think this is probably as hard as this quilt gets; the rest is much easier.

First, we're going to work with the blocks for the center of the quilt only; set aside the four corner blocks if you've decided to make them. So at this point, if you're making the large quilt, you'll be working with 13 blocks. You will also need your background fabric at this point--mine is the green with the black trees.

Because all your blocks will measure differently at this point, let's use an example measurement for my explanation--maybe you have one that measures the same; if so, pull it out: Let's say your block, with sashing, is 9-1/2" tall by 7-1/2" wide, okay? The goal for this part of the instructions is for each of your blocks to measure 12-1/2" square when we're done.

We'll start with the block width--7-1/2" on our example. First subtract 7-1/2" from 12-1/2" (the end measurement); that equals 5". This is how much fabric you'll need to add to the sides to make the block measure 12-1/2".

Now divide that measurement, 5", by two (because you're going to add half to each side) and that equals 2-1/2". To take into account the seam allowance you'll be using, add 1/2" to each. Now you know the strip of fabric you need to add to each SIDE of the block will be cut at 3". If you want a little wiggle room, cut it at 3-1/4" and square up/trim the blocks later.

Okay, and how long does that 3" strip you're adding to each side need to be? The height of the example block is 9-1/2", so that's how long you cut your strips: 3" x 9-1/2". And you'll need to cut two. Go ahead and do that and then sew them on each side of the block; press open. I'll wait right here.

Now we need to add strips to the top and bottom of the block to make it measure 12-1/2". Like before, this time we subtract 9-1/2" from 12-1/2", and that equals 3". Half of 3" is 1-1/2", and you'll add 1/2" for the seam allowance. Now you know you want to cut your two strips 2" wide. (If you like the wiggle room and trimming option, cut at 2-1/4" wide.)

And how long do you need to cut them? 12-1/2" (the width of the block after adding the two side strips). So, cut two pieces 2" wide by 12-1/2" long and sew those to the top and bottom of the block. Press open.

At this point, your block will measure 12-1/2". Check the measurement and square up/trim if necessary. Repeat with the rest of the blocks.

One little tip for this part: Some of your measurements before you even add the background fabric will be close to the 12-1/2" measurement. If you do the calculations and need to add less than 1" of background to the blocks, go ahead and add 1" and then trim down--it's easier than trying to deal with tiny strips. Also, press your seam allowance to the sashing side, so it's easier to trim the excess.

Next up: Directions for the alternating Irish chain/star blocks. Stay tuned!

Being Precise Matters

The members of a quilting group I belong to each volunteered to make a couple blocks to be used in a quilt we're making for someone. We're all making the same block pattern. We each have the directions and they're good, thorough directions. I made the same block some years back for a block exchange with a different group of quilters.

I also volunteered to piece the blocks together for this quilt.

Last Sunday, I got out the blocks and measured and trimmed them. Most were okay but a few weren't, so I put them aside for later. Later came knocking on my door tonight.

Really, it was a little like the Goldilocks story. A couple of the blocks were too small. So small in fact that after taking them apart to see what I could do to fix them, I finally decided I had to abandon all hope. It just wasn't worth the time and there was little that could be done to salvage them.

Four or five of the blocks were too big. Those, of course, I had a better chance of fixing, so that's what I spent the evening doing: Taking apart, trimming, and re-sewing.

And it's the weirdest thing. One part of the larger block consists of a smaller 9-patch block made of plain squares and half square triangles. When I took the blocks apart to trim them, I quickly realized the 9-patch pieces had been cut irregularly and not to any real measurement. As a quilter, I can't imagine "guess-timating" the size I'd need to cut such small pieces. But, yet, I can't figure out what method the quilter was using to get the right sized pieces if it wasn't simply by guess work.

The longer I quilt, the better I get at piecing, and I think a big part of my improvement has come about through the realization that being very, very precise in cutting and stitching makes a huge difference. As I reconstructed quilt blocks tonight, I remembered that some of you have left comments over the past several months, telling me you're fairly new to quilting, so I thought maybe this would be a good opportunity for me to pass on what's probably the most important thing I've learned about quilting: Be precise and consistent in measuring, cutting, and stitching.

As an exercise to test yourself and/or practice with if you're interested, next time you have to make 25 of the same block, measure each one and compare it to the others. Measure between seams to see if you're consistent there too. If you're not, try again and figure out exactly where to line up the edge of your fabric on your sewing machine--either on the plate or by using the edge of your foot as a guide--so you end up with a consistent 1/4" seam allowance.

I'm going to try to remember to get some photos of blocks as I'm piecing them so I can demonstrate some of the things I've found that help with block accuracy. And I know it will be a bit of basic Quilting 101 for many of you, but I think it's important to pass our knowledge on to new quilters, so please bear with me. In fact, if I post some basic quilting tips and directions and you have anything to add, please leave comments with your tips too.

When it comes to quilting, what do you struggle most with? And how long have you been quilting?

Late Night Lament

My boss's last day before a three-month leave of absence was supposed to be last Friday, but it seems she JUST WON'T LEAVE! I've been teasing her that she's not going to stop trying to do more and more until the plane's boarding next week. I believe that just about everything she's tried to get finished up has led to more tasks.

In the meantime, I've started filling in for another secretary who is out all month, and so far, for that attorney, I've only had time to concentrate on getting the priority stuff and the quick, small stuff done, but I'm sure things will calm down soon.

Tonight, though, I stayed at work with my soon-to-leave boss until after 10 p.m., trying to get a few big projects done. When I left, she was still there. SHE plans to take work home, work all night, and then come in and work all day tomorrow. She thinks that will be it, and then she'll be gone. I don't know, but I think working like that, she's going to kill herself before she leaves. But, of course, if she DOESN'T leave real soon, I just might do that job for her!

It's not quite been all work and no play today though. I managed an hour away to take Soccer Son to lunch. I was secretly rather pleased that he was walking rather cautiously and showing signs of being stiff and sore because I knew that meant he'd be less likely to be more active than he's supposed to be. Our bodies often tell us what to do if we just listen to them, right?

It's nearly midnight, I've had a bite to eat and a chat with Hubby, and now it's time to take a bath and jump in bed, because I have a feeling I'll be facing more of the same tomorrow. And if I listen very carefully, I can hear my body saying, "Turn off the darn computer and get yourself to bed, you idiot!" Except with more swear words, because I sometimes channel Richard Pryor. Goodnight.

Really?!

More and more, I find myself thinking, "Really?" when anyone does something idiotic. A fellow driver, a coworker, a waiter. Of course, a simple "Really?" expresses so much in so few words, it's not hard to understand why it's become so popular. And it's kind of a satisfying way to express frustration without resorting to profanity.

The other day, I went into Starbucks and waited in line while the woman in front of me tried to decide what to order with her free birthday drink coupon. Then she had another coupon for a free sweet treat, and wanted to know what each and every treat in the dessert case was. Having made her decision and proffered her coupons, the employee discovered the woman's treat coupon was expired. Then her purchase exhausted the amount left on her Starbucks card and she had to come up with the balance of the charge in cash. While I was waiting, five more customers had come in, and looking back, I saw the line snaked around toward the door.

Finally I ordered and paid for my drink, and I stood by the service counter, waiting. And waiting. The woman ahead of me had taken her drinks (did I forget to mention she also ordered a treat and drink for an elderly house-bound friend?), and the barrista was blending a Frappucino for the next customer instead of finishing up my iced latte. It was then that without conscious thought, an audible "Really?!" slipped out.

I kind of wonder whether "really?" is too much a part of my mental vocabulary if it can slip out without thought, because I really didn't mean to be rude. I know those Starbucks employees were only doing what they've been trained to do. And as I said, I suppose it's better than swearing, but I can see I'll have to censor myself a little better and stop thinking aloud. It seems that many of the people around us are rude and thoughtless these days, and I'm sure I don't need to add to the problem. Sheesh!

Good News Post

First, as I know some of you are anxious to hear about Soccer Son's surgery, it went fine. Part of the procedure involved administering adrenaline to evoke an irregular heartbeat so the surgeon could "map" the heart to identify the tissue causing the irregularity and remove it. In all the surgeon's efforts to elicit an irregular heartbeat, he was only successful once, for one beat, so mapping was more difficult. The surgeon is pretty sure he was able to remove the problem tissue, but he's not 100 percent positive. Of course, we're hopeful it worked. Now the toughest part will be to keep Soccer Son resting for 48 hours and then NOT RUNNING AROUND this week. But I gotta tell you that's going to be hard for him. He's a very, very active person. He's spending tonight (Monday) in San Jose, getting a good night's rest after the procedure, but he'll be coming home tomorrow afternoon or evening, and I think it will be even harder for him to do nothing one he's back in his own environment. Next weekend he travels to Santa Cruz with his competitive girls team for a tournament and will need to do most of his coaching sitting on the sidelines with maybe a little bit of standing and minimal pacing back and forth. Luckily his Lovely Wife to Be Someday will be going as well, and we hope she'll be able to keep him reined in.

Next, the winner of the scrap package is Kimland who said, "I have always admired your fabric tastes and would be happy to give your scraps a new home in Iowa. Hope all goes well with soccer son's procedure!" Kim, please send me your mailing address so I can send you some scraps. I have not put the package together yet so there may be a delay of a few days, but I'll get it mailed soon.

Finally, Tuesday morning the Wild Child is flying off to New York to spend two weeks with Manager Man. I don't remember whether I posted about it, but Manager Man graduated from Chico State back in May and promptly moved to New York to pursue his dreams of working in the entertainment industry. The Wild Child--who wants to go into the publishing field when she finishes college--is considering whether it would be feasible to move to New York to finish her schooling and intern at a publishing house. Most of the colleges are closed for summer break now, so she won't have a chance to talk to any counselors, but at least she'll get a general feel for the city. She's such an outdoorsy person, I have a hard time picturing her living in New York city, but I think she's pretty flexible too, so maybe it would be excellent for her.

So, as you may imagine, it feels like we're hopping from one thing to another around here. And still, of course, I'm super busy at work and we have a couple other things going on as well in our lives. I really yearn for a little time to sit back and relax, but I don't think much of that will happen this week. I will, though, say goodnight now and head off to bed and hope for the best. Thanks for stopping by to visit, and thank you especially for your thoughts and prayers for Soccer Son!

George--Le Petite Project for July

Saturday was my only real "play day" this week. I started the morning by doing a little more quilting on the Ghastlies (more instructions to follow soon for those of you waiting). Around noon, the Wild Child and I went to a matinee showing of Bridesmaids--have you seen it? Pretty funny at times! A late lunch was enjoyed at California Pizza Kitchen, just before the Wild Child and I went our separate ways--she had to go to work and I stopped by the Fabric Garden quilt shop on my way home.

At the Fabric Garden, Gran tempted me with a new magazine--Primitive Quilts and Projects. Have you seen it yet? It's a quarterly publication that began with Summer; Gran forced me to buy the Fall issue. (She might claim she didn't FORCE me, but she knows exactly what it takes to make me buy!)

Back home again, I worked on cleaning up the Sweat Shop and tried to take care of a couple little projects--one of which was to change out the half square triangle corners on George:

You might remember that I had used a red fabric, and then when I added the red stripe border, the red was too much. And, yes, changing out these pieces with the mitered border wasn't easy, but I'm happy I did it--it looks much better to me.

Well, it's back to work tomorrow--literally. I'll write when I can, and yes, I'll make sure to let everyone know how my son's surgery goes on Monday. Thanks for keeping him in your thoughts and prayers!

Scraps Anyone?

Today I did a little cleaning up in the Sweat Shop, tidying away the leftovers from past projects, and I realize I have more scraps than will fit in my two scrap drawers. If you love scraps, live in the U.S., and are interested in giving some of my leftovers a good home, leave a comment saying you want to be entered. I'll draw a winner Monday night and announce the winner on my Tuesday post.

COMMENTS CLOSED--WINNER TO BE ANNOUNCED.

So Busy I'm Boring

I'm just checking in to let you know I'm okay, but life is triple-hectic right now, and I don't even have time to figure out what "triple-hectic" really means--but it feels about right.

Today (Friday) was supposed to be my boss's last day before she leaves for a three-month leave of absence to live in China with her new husband, and we're trying to get a LOT done so all of her cases can be handled by other people in her absence. Last night I worked late and ran errands after that--I didn't even get home until 10:15 and then I had to put groceries away. When the time came to write a blog post, I had nothing to say and was too tired to say even that!

Tonight I was at work until after 8:30 and now I've taken a break in my housecleaning to say "hi."

And my boss isn't leaving just yet--her travel plans were delayed several days, so she'll be around off and on next week while she continues to get things done, and in the meantime, I've been assigned to work the desk of another secretary who is going to be out all of August. So there's double-hectic right there, working for my boss who's supposed to be gone and another attorney as well. Sheesh!

And I'm working several hours on Sunday.

I wish I could write a blog about all the fun things I'm doing and the creative ideas I've come up with, but I don't think I've even opened the door to the Sweat Shop for two days now. Maybe tomorrow. In the meantime, if I don't get a chance to post, you'll know I've chosen to sleep instead.

Please go ahead, though, and have a truly excellent weekend. Somebody has to, even if it's not looking very promising for poor old me.

My Toes Are Still Ugly, Darn It!

Thank you all for the prayers and good wishes for Soccer Son. His surgery will take place at a hospital that's about two and a half hours away from us, and I've debated with myself whether to go or stay put. I keep coming back to the decision to stay home, but I could still change my mind. His Lovely Wife to be Someday will be with him, and her mom will be with HER, and they'll all be traveling there the day before and traveling back the day after. Soccer Son and I have talked about it a couple times, and his feeling is that I should do whatever I think would be best for me; he tends to draw within himself and focus a bit in times of stress, and I get the impression from him that he's happy with as little fuss as possible. So . . . . Well, right now I think I'm going to go to work as usual on Monday and just wait to get the phone call letting me know surgery is over and everything went well. It's hard though, and it's only likely to get harder until I get that call on Monday afternoon. And we all know that a week from now I'll wonder why I worried, right?

Today Soccer Son and I planned to meet up at the nail place, and I suggested I pick up sandwiches for us on my way there. When I arrived about ten minutes before he did, I found the salon jam packed with 20-something women, all getting their toes and fingers done. I've never seen more than two or three customers in the shop at that time of day, so I'm pretty sure it was a bachelorette/wedding party thing. I quickly realized there was no way Soccer Son and I would get pedicures today.

When Soccer Son pulled up in his truck and I gave him the disappointing news, we quickly decided to go to a nearby park and have a little picnic lunch instead. After all, I already had our sandwiches and drinks. And, as it turned out, we had a really nice time, eating and talking. Better, maybe, than getting pedicures, even if I don't have cute toes and soft heels to show for it!

The funny thing is that yesterday evening, the Wild Child asked me if I wanted to meet her for a pedicure on Friday and I had to turn her down. Now, though, I think I see that pedicure in my future after all. And a chance to have a little quality salon time with the Wild Child, who will be leaving on Tuesday to spend two weeks in New York. This time, though, I think we'll call ahead and make our pedicure appointments.

Soccer Son

As I mentioned before, one of the things I did on my birthday was to go watch Soccer Son's last regular season indoor soccer game. During the game, he scored a rather showy bicycle kick goal. Here's a photo I took of him not long after the game.

Soccer Son is an excellent soccer player. He coaches Sacramento's semi-pro adult men's team, and they're in first place in their league--the league championship games take place this weekend, and I suspect Hubby and I will go watch them play. Besides playing on this team and an outdoor soccer team, he coaches a boy's competitive team (under 10 age group, I think) and a girl's competitive team (under 11 age group, if I recall correctly). He's also in demand for private and group training sessions.

Soccer Son called me at work today. Remember I told you he'd found a vintage wrought iron chair for me for my birthday? I finally took a photo to show you:

Cool, eh? Well, when he called, he said he'd found a second one that he's pretty sure matches this one, so he'll refinish both of them for me.

The other thing he called about was to tell me he was thinking about getting a spa pedicure tomorrow and wondered whether I wanted to get one too. You might recall that for his 30th birthday in February, I took him to get his first pedicure, and apparently he liked it!

I wondered why, in particular, he wanted to get a pedicure now, and it turns out it's mainly because he wants his legs and feet massaged and pampered in preparation for the soccer tournament this weekend. Sure, that makes sense. But aside from that, I'm glad to have a chance to sit with him and talk for awhile while we get our pedicures. It's not often we have that kind of time to spend together without one of us having to run off and do something.

A few months back, Soccer Son had a bit of a health scare. Because he didn't have a job with medical benefits, he had no health coverage. The thought of having to pay medical expenses out of his pocket as well as the fact that he had just turned 30 finally gave him the incentive he needed to obtain private medical insurance. The health scare turned out to be nothing--simply a cyst, which is what he had suspected. But right around that time, he noticed that every now and then, his heart would beat irregularly, so he thought he'd have it checked out.

After several tests, he was diagnosed with ventricular tachycardia. He was told the condition could be controlled with medication, but the medication would limit his ability to participate in sports--as you can imagine, that just wasn't an option for him. So on Monday, he'll have a cardiac ablation which should cure the defect, and given his age and health, it's a reasonably safe alternative. This is one of those heart procedures that can be done by going up to the heart through a vein, so recovery should be pretty quick. In fact, the whole procedure is done on an outpatient basis, and Soccer Son should be back playing soccer again in about a week.

But, of course, it still worries me. I'm a mom--that's my job. So tomorrow I'll go have a pedicure with my son, and we'll enjoy spending time together. And I'll try not to worry too much.