Good Friday #6 More positive likes!!!

Happy Halloween!!!

It's time for another happy Thursday post, inspired by Leeanna at Not Afraid of Color!!!  The weather has turned cool here but happily we are getting much needed rain today!
Seamus continues to progress.  His prednisone was increased this past week and thus far, there have been less side effects than I anticipated.  We'll see how the next few weeks go. 

This past week the Hubs was working in Detroit so I spread my sewing all over the dining room (so I could sew around Seamus who can't do the steps).  I know have 88 rose blocks ready for borders and sashing.  I think this will be enough for two lap quilts.  I really REALLY like using up all this fabric :)  

I'm tired of working in the garden these days.  It's cool and damp and I haven't wanted to do much at all.  I do have to finish up though.  This weekend I hope to plant some spring bulbs, weather permitting.

Also, I have this old quilt that I purchased recently.  It is in much worse shape than I imagined and I am thinking of rescuing the blocks and setting them in another piece because I love them. Maybe something for a wall hanging?  During my childhood, I would have imagined these blocks similar to The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe (second only to my other favorite book, Little Women).  Now I wonder if they are similar to Harry Potter--do they remind you of that too?  Your insights would be appreciated.  Here are some photos:

Have a wonderful week!

Good Thursday #5

Hi Everyone!  I haven't been emailing anyone back this week because it has been super busy.  We heard from the vet and Seamus' levels have FINALLY taken a turn for the better.  It's going to be a good while before Seamus is stable but at least there is some positive improvement!!  Seamus will always be dealing with this but we would like to get him to the point where he is just being monitored and having some quality of life.

Meanwhile..........The vet said it was okay to groom Seamus:  Jessa's Gentle Grooming did an excellent job with Seamus and Jessa took the whole day with him so he could have rests in between.  Here is Seamus before:

And the handsome boy afterwards:

                          

It took two days for Seamus to recover from the day but we are grateful he is clean.  He hadn't been groomed since April and he definately needed a spa day (which thanks to Jessa, he got).

Doesn't he look wonderful?  

I've been traveling doing programs and that is always a good thing!  Also on Thursday we had our Quilt Study Meeting (antique quilts).  I brought this one to study, it's from the early 20th century:

Then I was off again and did another program at the Main Line Quilters yesterday!  It's been a busy week but I'm grateful to just be home for a few days and catch up!  Next week I should be able to post more regularly!  

Have a wonderful weekend!

Good Thursday #5 will be two days late!

Due to meetings and travel, I won't be able to post until Saturday!  Hope you are having a great week!

Good Thursday #4

It's been a fairly good week!  Seamus is still having more good days than bad ones and we are hopeful that we will see improved results on his bloodwork (tests are tomorrow).  

Thank goodness Lee Anna has this series.  I don't get to the computer much these days and it is nice to have a day designated to catching up and sharing!

Autumn has descended on the valley.  I started using the oven again this week; it warms up the house so nicely!!!  I've been enjoying a new cook book called Sheet Pan Paleo.

A friend recommended the book because the dinners are easy to make and dirty only one sheet pan.  So far my husband (and my brother-in-law) have liked what I have sheet panned so far :)  I'm also reading the Farmer's Wife 1930s Sampler Quilt.

This past week I finished making 4 patches for my rose quilt.  I'm trying to use up scraps of fabric and make something for the sewing room as well. It's very grey here today so sorry if the photos aren't showing that well, here are the four patches and also a photo of some of the fabrics I'll be using as well.

Years ago, my brother changed the attic from the boys' bedroom to the sewing room.  I didn't have to make any requests; my brother is not even a year younger than me and we know each other so well.  It's nice when you can trust another artist like that.  Anyway, the quilt that I am making now, I will use in the Rose Room during the winter.  

It's still lecture season and tonight I'll be headed north to give another program.  Meanwhile I am almost done with the program I've worked on this past year. 

Last week the Paper Show was in town.  It's one of my favorite local events full of old books, magazines and ephemera.  Here's an adorable photo I found there:

I hope you have a sewful week ahead of you!  Happy Quilting!

  

Good Thursday #3

For the first time in months, we are seeing an improvement in Seamus!  All this week he has been playing with his ball, going for longer walks, and torturing the dogs sequestered by houses or fences who aren't taking a walk too.  It's an amazing change and the first good news since May!  His prednisone had been increased and about the second week we saw him perking him up more.  We were told that it takes about two weeks for a difference to be made and we are hoping that we will get good news when he  gets his bloodwork next week.

October is here and I am slowly putting the garden to bed for the season.  I've been plucking a lot of plants out; this year I just want to rework the garden and I'm getting down to the bones of the garden (ornamental trees and bushes) and weeding out flowers I'm tired of (or have become too high maintenance).  It's wonderful not to have the a/c or the heat on and although we still run the fans for Seamus, it's wonderful to be saving on the bills for at least a few months.

 Last week was my birthday.  I always buy myself my own present because my husband is a disaster when it comes to this.  He can never get the day correct and well, I don't want hunting things as a present.  So I buy myself something nice.  Here is the quilt I bought this year:

I call it the fashionista quilt. 

 I haven't found a pattern in any of my books and I'm wondering if the quilter made her own pattern.

From the fabric, I suspect it was made in the late 50s, early 60s.  Anyway I love the quilt!

I hope everyone remains safe with Hurricane Matthew approaching.  I'm praying for you all!  Have a great weekend!