Friday, December 17, 2010

Christmas Quilt

Hi to All and Happy Holidays.
I received a notice from Embroidery Library that they are featuring my "Christmas Quilt" on their website Dec 22.  Please make sure and take a peek.  I am excited to have the quilt featured on http://www.emblibrary.com/el/elprojects/showcase_elp.aspx?page=Showcase

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Visit with Wendi and Matt's family


Amelia


Rielly, Alexis, Amelia

Alexis and Amelia


Rielly

Saturday Aaron and I drove to Las Vegas for a short visit with the Lougy's. It happened to be Amelia's 4th birthday as well. Nice visit. We played games, sewed with Alexis and Rielly. Alexis made an apron and Rielly a cool pillowcase. We had taco's and chocolate cake, sang and Amelia blew out all 4 candles.

Well okay, this blog is more than about my quilting

Leona Dawn (Fisher) Draude
Born December 2, 2010 at 6:15pm PST
Proud parents: Marisa and Adam
Birth weight: 6# 5oz Length: 18"
My 15th Grandchild. What a splendid way to end the year.




Leona                                                                  

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Christmas Quilt Finished

Quilt front
Close up view


Christmas Quilt, from Bunny Hill Designs, I chose not to do hand applique, but to machine embroider the characters of christmas memories. I plan to enter it in the Green Valley Quilt Guild show next March.  The recipient of this quilt is yet to notified, and so after christmas it will have to come back to me so that I can use it in the show.



Saturday, December 4, 2010

Leona Dawn Fisher-Draude

I don't have a picture to post as yet.... but Adam and Marisa's baby was born on Dec. 2, 2010 at 6:15 PST in Olympia, WA.  I got a photo on my cell phone from Adam, but don't know how to download to the computer. Guess that will be the next technological event to learn. She weighed in at 6# 5oz. 18" long. She is doing well at this time, according to the reports from Daddy Adam.  I haven't spoken to Marisa as yet, but am planning on going up to help in a week or so. More to come when I have the photo.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Jacket for .....

It will be a christmas gift.  Hope she (Jordan) like it.... Shhhhhh she must not know until she opens the package.  Quick Paula, shut the computer down... 
Anyway, It will be a nice jacket to wear to church or just out to a movie or whatever.  It's made of fleece/cotton and will be very warm.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Chef Nate

Nate is taking a culinary class in High School. He is a Senior this year and was recently in a cook-off.  He had to prepare a full  meal in one hour. From de-boning the chicken to the final dessert. He has always enjoyed cooking. So for christmas this year I am giving him his very own apron.  I found this fabric and immediately it reminded me of the quacamole he made with salsa one Sunday afternoon.



And what's a chef without his name displayed?

Enjoy Nate.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

End of the year crunch

I am sure no one else feels so rushed as Thanksgiving approachs.  I have so many ideas and projects...some I fear will have to wait next year... Oh, it rhymes, now I am a poet?  Hardly.  LOL.  Sunday I started this sweatshirt jacket for Bill.  I decided to add a zipper so that it wouldn't have to be so tight around his neck. Then I proceeded to embroider this cute 'eat-drink-football' design. Got about the first 5000 stitches in and realized it would be upside down. Stopped the machine and put things away for the night. Yesterday I picked out the 5000 stitches and this time I mirrored the image... again the wrong move, but luckily only in for about 100 stitches. I meant to rotate the image so that the words and the design would be right side up and read left to right... Amazingly I finished it.  Here is the result.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Aprons for little cooks

Made an apron for a Granddaugter.  Loved this fabric, and then embroidered her name on the yoke.  Lined the body of the apron, applied Ric-Rac for trim.
Put cute little 'apple' buttons on the neck straps.

Too busy to blog

A couple of weeks ago I had a sew day with a couple of my quilting friends. Each of us worked on our projects, we had lunch, we talked the whole time and laughed too.
I surprised myself when I actually finished my project in that day, from the cutting, sewing, ironing and voila........  Here it is

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Twins get new blankets

Earlier this year I was contacted by a woman from So. California.  She stated that she wanted to have quilts made for her twins- a boy and a girl, they were turning 3yrs old. She and I decided on a color scheme and theme for each of the quilts and I went about scouring the internet, my stash and the local quilt shop for fabrics. She also wanted their names on the quilts.

The little guy's quilt was to have a travel theme- cars, planes, trains. The colors were to be Blues and Greens. Easy enough to find fabric you say?  Ha!!  Not so quick...  I did find some cool ones on the internet- and my last find was in Ketchican Alaska this summer, while on a cruise.

Little girl quilt to be Hearts themed and pink/purple.... The fabric I found that would have been perfect only came in fleece.... so I kept looking, right before my eyes the most wonderful fabric appeared at the quilt store where I work part-time. Voila.... The rest of the quilt story is that the week prior to their birthdays, I finished and mailed them off.  I received glowing reports back from their Mom and said that the quilts were well received.  I did receive pictures of the children from their Mom, but will not post them as I do not have her permission.... but these are the quilts while still in the working stage.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Thoughts of a retiring RN

It's been a good career. I started in 1973 in California. I was told by the local community college that they "weren't accepting any older students into the RN program" (Mind you I was 25 yrs old at the time). So I kept searching for a way get into a nursing program. I found a private school out of LA that had a LVN (licensed vocational nurse program). My folks helped me and paid my tuition. I was able to attend the program at Huntington Beach community hospital. We had theory and clinicals in the same location, every day Monday - Friday. It was yearlong program and then I was able to write state boards and was licensed to practice as an LVN (LPN) in other states. I continued to take a few classes towards my RN, and over the next 20 years in 1994 I finally completed the task and received my RN, from Community College of Southern Nevada Las Vegas, NV. In 2006 I finished the RN to BSN program through Grand Canyon University and received a Baccalaureate in Nursing. At the age of 60 many wondered why I would do this and my reply is that it is a personal goal, not a career move. I feel that I did achieve my educational goals and more during my nursing career.

Now the time has come, for me to retire from nursing. It was a hard decision. I enjoyed the income, but more than that I enjoyed my work, my service to others, and the joy of seeing the students I taught grasp the joy of service to others.

So it is with mixed emotions and many tears, that I say good-bye to the Nursing Career of 37 years.

My pins- LVN 1973, RN- 1994, BSN 2006
Nursing is symbolized by the traditional CAP with a stripe. Each school of nursing had a cap that was designed just for their students. In the early 80's the caps went away. Nurses felt that the caps were in the way of all the tubing, etc that can surround the patient... also we had men entering the field of nursing and they weren't about to wear one of those silly caps. However, the nurses’ cap was very meaningful to me and so I kept my cap over the years.

Thus, the following story: As I plan this retirement and to make it really official to me, I need a symbolic moment, a moment that would live in my heart and my soul. As I thought about all the things people do when they retire, I realized that I had just the right person to share my story and my journey with. Her name is Julie, a woman that had been my student. She is not a young student, but in her 40's. She is intelligent, smart and has raised her son as a single Mom. She had many struggles in her life, which I can relate too, and so I decided to speak with her about my retirement. Julie expressed to me that she would have liked to have the traditions of old play a role in her graduation ceremony.

The tradition goes something like this: Graduating nurses wear white uniforms (women in dresses), white hosiery, and white shoes. A cap with a velvet ribbon stripe adorns their head. The cap is representative of the school they attended. The diploma nurse with one stripe (which in today’s world would be the Associate degree nurse) and the Baccalaureate nurse with two stripes. Graduates walk in a procession from the back of the auditorium, the room is darkened and the nurses proceed down the aisles with lit ‘Florence Nightingale’ lanterns. After the talks and all the formalities of a graduation, the graduates are presented, not with a diploma, but with a pin- and the school name. 

I contacted Julie and we met yesterday at St. Mary’s Hospital in Tucson. We found a lovely spot to sit and chat in the rose garden of the hospital. I shared my thoughts about my career and my retirement and how I would want to leave my nursing legacy in her hands. I asked her to accept my cap as a symbolism of my life as a nurse. I know that she understands, more than many others, the impact of handing off of the cap to the next generation.
So from all of the nurses of the past and to all those of the future, may you walk with heads high and hearts full for the joy of service to the poor and the homeless, the rich and powerful, the dirty and the clean, those who came with injured bodies and minds, and all those who suffered loss and grief- I thank you for the many memories and lives that touched my heart and my soul.

I received the following email and a photo from Julie this morning and I would like it to be posted here: “Thank you so much for thinking of me in such a special way. You really gave me a boost I needed. I drove home in shock. I've never had someone have faith in me and say such nice things. I will keep you posted along the way and let you know when graduation will be. You are a very special person.
Thank you again,
Julie”
 Thank you Julie for the kind words.  Stay in touch.  Jacquelyn

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

The Lace Church

It really is going to be cute.  I say 'going to be' because, even though there were 7 parts to the church...when I began to assemble them, I failed to realize that I needed to repeat the side wall of the church twice.  so I have a 3 sided church- but wouldn't that make my church a welcoming point for all who chose to enter?  Hmmmm....

Inside view

Front view with side wall missing
I will finish the wall today and get the building completed... can't place the steeple until there is a support wall, duh!
Cloudy here in southern AZ, I suspect that it will actually rain sometime today.
Sew I will keep on doing my job-  quilting, embroidery, sewing.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Sunday busy Sunday

Well, I told myself that I was going to work on the OESD lace church with my embroidery machine.  I did the 6 out of 7 pieces.  Tomorrow (Tuesday) I should be able to get the 7th one done and assemble them.  Here is the photo of them....  After I have them assembled, I will post another blog.










         I also finished the quilt top for Baby Draude- who is due in mid November.  The back will be done with a bright pink colored Minkee fabric (wish me luck on this one)... I didn't have a patten in mind with this cute panel from Clothworks Fabrics, but the parents of Miss Draude chose the fabrics and I purchased them and finally went to work on them. I decided to feature the panel and add Sashings around it to border it, then the 2"  half-square triangles next to the 4-1/2" blocks to make the inner border.  I didn't measure it yet, but I believe it is a large crib size. If you click on the photo you will get a larger version.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Embroidered BOM

I am working on a design for a pieced and embroidered quilt top. I want to offer a Block of the Month for those who like to piece and do machine embroidery. I have done a rough draft... now to Walmart to get some colored pencils, then to the OESD files to find some embroidery designs to place on the blocks.  It will be a christmas theme.  I will teach it at my favorite quilt shop Hearts and Hands Quilts in Green Valley, AZ.
Wish me luck, because this designing thing is all new to me. 

Monday, October 11, 2010

Sorry no pictures to share today and here's why

I have actually been doing a large embroidery table topper project.  Which took me most of Saturday - until it was time to leave for the UA vs OSU football game-and part of Sunday evening to embroider.  It is amazing how the time flies when you have a good rhythm going.  But I am prepping it for my class that I will teach in December.  Hopefully it comes out okay.  No picture yet.

Also, I worked a little on the baby quilt for my soon to be new granddaughter- who remains nameless at this date... suppose she will get a name before she goes to school :)

I was in Phoenix yesterday. Bill and I went to visit with Christina (his granddaughter who is attending ASU), had lunch, took her to a great quilt store, purchased a pattern and some fabric for some cute little girl aprons, and fabric to make Christina a purse.  Bill sat in the car and listened to the football game.
Then we went grocery shopping for the 'starving student'...

Now in a few minutes I am off to the hospital for teaching of 3rd semester RN students.  I am the clinical instructor for Monday in the Psych Dept for Pima Comm. College.  4 more classes and I am hanging up my white hat, putting the license in the drawer and finally be retired.

So this explains the 'no pic' heading.  Have a great and wonderful day.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Things I did for the Hearts and Hands Quilt Shop

As you know I work part-time at Hearts and Hands Quilts in Green Valley. It is a great place to buy fabric and even a better place to work (if you can call it work). WE have way too much fun for it to be called 'Work',,, but anyway, when at work we are allowed to sew shop sample projects these are just a few of the ones I have done.



Sunday, October 3, 2010

Treats and Tricks

Sew busy I am... and Sew happy too.... made a witch and Count Dracula that will hold the lollipop treats... 

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Witchy Witch

She flies on her broom on Halloween.... She hangs on my wall here in AZ....
Happy Tricks and Treats she brings... to little boys and girls.... whether they be good or bad.... So Hope all OF yooooo  have a HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

This wall-hanging was designed and patterned by Patrick Lose- a quilt artist that will be sailing with us in the near future on Quilt Retreat at Sea.   His studio is in Phoenix, AZ and he has an amazing way to create fun and fast applique pieces.  You can look for his designs at your favorite quilt store or at http://www.patricklose.net/

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Our new bedroom set

In August we decided it was time for a new bedroom set and mattress.  Well this is the beautiful bed that we chose. The quilt was made by me in 2008 and was seen in previous blog.









The nightstands needed dust covers (I hate to dust) so yesterday I proceeded to use my scraps of fabric left over from the quilt. This is the result. Now I have to make a matching one for my side.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Diaper Bag for soon to be new parents Adam and Marisa

This is a great bag with lots of room.  Measures 15"tallx18"widex5"deep.
It has several pockets inside and out. Made of 100% cotton fabric, this is entirely washable. It is completly lined with no raw seams to get in the way.
Pattern by 'The Creative Thimble'.
 Hours to make 12.
Cost to make: Priceless. It's for a special family.
I hope that Marisa and Adam will get a lot of use out of this bag and when they don't need to haul diapers any longer, it will still be useful for other outings.
                                                     
 Top Zipper closes the whole bag so that the products inside will not fall out or get dirty. There is also a middle pocket that seperates the two sides. Each of the internal sides also have pockets. So lots of storage space.
 The side pockets are meant to hold water bottles and/or baby bottles-depends on whose thirsty this shows one of the side pockets-

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Today is 911

Dear Family and Friends,
This is a day for my generation that will forever live in our hearts, minds and souls. Just as WWII was the time when my parents generation had life change in an instant, I believe that '911' (Sept 11, 2001) made a drastic change in the lives of all United States citizens.
I am so proud of the way our young men and women came forward to offer support to the 'War on Terrorism'. My own Grandson-Michael Cortese, joined the US Navy after his highschool years were over, he is now serving in Japan. His Grandfather(s), Great-grandfather(s ) my Father Stewart Mann Morris- is featured in this blog today. He and many other family members served their country in various ways and I am sure that Michael feels the same pride in service that they felt. I can remember the pride my father showed when the flag passed us during a parade. He loved his nation and taught his family to love and respect the values that this nation was founded upon.
So, although '911' speaks to us now and was the worst national tragedy in this nation's history, we go forward to be a stronger and safer nation. It takes time and work to rebuild, but we ARE AMERICANS, and WE KNOW HOW TO MAKE THIS NATION STRONGER FOR OUR FUTURE GENERATIONS.
God Bless America.

Friday, August 20, 2010

Christmas Quilt

I have been working on this quilt top for some time now.  Decided to embroider the figures rather than to hand applique them... looks nice don't you think?  May enter it in the GV quilt show next March and in Tucson show next January.  There just isn't enough time in the day to do all I want to do. 

Monday, August 16, 2010

Alaska / Canada 2010

The quilt retreat at sea to Alaska was a great time.  There were 28 quilters, 6 non-quilters that sailed with us from Vancouver, CA thru the inside passage of Alaska.  Two sea days allowed the quilters to learn new fusing techniques from quilt artist/instrutor Carol Morrisey.
Ports of Call included: Icy Strait Point
Juneau, some of us went Whale watching, some flew in the helicopter to the top of  Mendenhall Glacier for a short walk; some, well all of us went to a quilt store or two; check out all our photos on http://www.quiltretreatatsea.com/ .
We sailed to the Hubbard glacier- wow is that awesome and the calving of the glacier is an unforgettable  event. Then on to Ketchican and the wonderful history there.  Another quilt shop visit of course.
If you have never been to Alaska you might want to come along next summer either as a quilter or a non-quilter. 
We had a Grand Prize: $500 value of Batik fabrics which was won by Mary Bell and the runner up prize of a Quilt Kit (donated by Silver Thimble-Ketchican AK quilt shop) won by Susan Fahey.  Congratulations girls (wish I had a picture- hint to daughter Michelle)

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Memories are for family

I thought I had blogged on these quilts last year, but as I have reviewed my blog, I realized that nope didn't blog about them... perhaps, because this was a personal moment for the person that asked me to do this quilt.  I met a woman a couple of years ago, she was looking for someone to do a memory quilt out of her sisters clothing.  The story behind her sisters death was very touching, and her mother had not gotten rid of the clothing.  Becky retrieved them from her mother and I was asked to make the memories come to life.  This is the result.  I am always nervous when I work from the love and family memories, that I won't do them justice, I am in hopes that Becky and her Mom were reminded of all the good that came from Jamie's short life on this earth. 
I am especially touched, even at this writing.