Journaling

Since Dad's death on November 5, life hasn't been normal. While trying not to feel guilty about not making that last to Dad, and thinking about him dying alone, I've been working through my emotions through Scripture-reading and spiritual reflection. 

One activity that was previously on my schedule was to go to a Junk Journaling club meeting with my 4-H Club volunteer-friend, Karen C. I had thought not to go because Dad had died two days before, but I was encouraged to do something to take my mind off my sadness. I'm glad I did. Making these journals proved therapeutic, as I made them for family I saw while in Kansas City for Dad's funeral. 

I made six journals. The first one was for myself - top right, with my initial "L." I used a plain aqua 12" X 12" sheet, and glued fabric scraps to it. 

Though I've been calling these junk journals, in fact the YouTube video about how to make them is: Quick Journals Using 12 X 12 Paper by Natasha of Treasure Books. Her instructions are excellent.

I have very little in the way of paper supplies, so a couple 12" X 12" sheets from Michael's, a few more sheets from a paper-craft estate sale, and a few pieces from Karen (she was formerly a Creative Memories consultant) gave me plenty of exterior cover stock to work with. 

You can see the inside of each journal has a front and back pocket, so it's extra nice if you can make the journal with two-sided stock.

The interior is made with 10 sheets of paper called "the signature." When each sheet is folded in half, then stitched into the ¼"-wide cover spine (your #8 perle cotton stash will come in handy), the journal has a total of 40 pages to write on. 

For the signature, I used what I could come up with here at home - several sizes of graph paper, construction paper, transparency paper, and of course printer paper. I didn't buy anything. It was fun to choose papers for each journal. 

I recently learned about Lectio Divina, a four-step method for reading Scripture and understanding a "divine reading." It's been helpful during quiet time with God, and my journal is where I'm taking notes. 

I'm slowly moving forward on other incomplete projects, and that's providing peace too. Linda

In Memoriam of Dad

On Wednesday, in the early morning, my dear 95 year-old Dad died quietly in bed, in his assisted living apartment. 

From September 28 to October 9, I visited him in rehab and through his return to assisted living. I'm so glad I did. As challenging as those days were, I have wonderful memories because of the time we spent together, generally chatting and visiting throughout each day.

The past week has been difficult, though every person I've been in contact with has been supportive. Just don't be too nice to me, or I will cry more, as I did when my virtual Bible study sisters (we meet weekly on Zoom) at Lutheran Church of Hope (West Des Moines, Iowa) sent this bouquet Wednesday afternoon. So thoughtful, and tear-inducing. 

Though I've felt conflicted about whether to write about my Dad in a blog post, I also want to honor him here because he was a loyal FlourishingPalms blog-reader. When we chatted every Sunday afternoon, he would sometimes remark about something I posted about, and we'd talk about it. Several years ago he told me:

"I know more about quilting than most men!"

Dad, you make me laugh. 

Most often our conversations revolved around books. When his vision began failing, several years ago I encouraged him to get a public library card and begin listening to books. From that point on, he listened to audiobooks on his computer, finishing each title at a rapid rate. I would often suggest titles and authors he might like; he didn't care for storylines that jumped around, like from "now" to "then." He particularly enjoyed two authors: Spencer Quinn who wrote the "Chet and Bernie" stories (about a dog and a detective); and every book written by William Kent Krueger. I think Dad liked WKK books because many take place in an area of Minnesota Dad was familiar with, from his days working in agriculture sales for Monsanto. 

Dad enjoyed watching vlogs (YouTube video blogs) about agriculture and farming, and subscribed to several of them. I sometimes knew more about happenings with the Millennial Farmer and Welker family than I did about our own family!

Having similar political views, Dad and I would amicably talk about politics. He also liked talking about his favorite football team, The Ohio State Buckeyes. Being an OSU graduate, he was a lifelong fan. He only despaired about my lack of interest in the Buckeyes, or any football games. He would often say:

"I don't know where your Mother and I went wrong."

I am the oldest of us three "kids" and have many good memories. As well, I have an insider's view of his entire life, having been Dad's editor when he decided to write and publish his autobiography in 2020. 

This saying rings true, and makes us glad Dad wrote about himself.  

When you're young, your grandparents try to tell you their history, and you don't care because it doesn't interest you at the time. Later on, you wish you'd written down what they said. 

I wrote Dad's obituary. 

After many months of declining health, and him knowing his physical body was failing him (his mind never failed), I am grateful Dad is at peace now.

"Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest," said Jesus. "... and you will find rest for your souls." Matthew 11:28-29 

I am also imagining the reunion between Dad and Mother, who passed away 23 years ago. Maybe Mother is saying, "I've been waiting for you. What took you so long?!" 

Still, losing him is painful. 

Linda

End of October

Here's a brief post to tally-up fabric used, and books read during the month of October.

Simply, this is the grand sum of fabric I used in October - all of it used to piece the Filmstrip Quilt backing and binding. 

I didn't make the eight Posh Penelope blocks I have cut and ready to sew, and have determined I must stop setting goals for myself. Failure doesn't feel good.

On the positive side no fabric came in. I am feeling greater determination to raise output in November. 

Book Recommendations

Six audiobooks are on my October listening list. In order, according to my rating with 5.0 being "the best," here are the titles and authors:

•  4.4 - Last Night Over Galveston, Jennifer L. Wright
•  4.4 - I Am Still Alive, Kate Alice Marshall
•  4.3 - A Killing Cold, Kate Alice Marshall
•  4.3 - What You Wish For, Katherine Center
•  4.2 - The Wedding Vow, Dandy Smith
•  4.2 - Write Me for You, Tillie Cole

And one book I couldn't finish: The Innocents, by Francesca Segal. I very rarely don't finish a book, but this simply could not keep my attention.

Last Light Over Galveston is historical fiction, about the 1900 storm that decimated Galveston, Texas. I learned that this "never-could-happen" storm was a hurricane that cost the lives of 8,000 to 10,000 people, and is the largest natural disaster in US history. The story is told from the perspective of a young woman who has run away from her home in New York, where her domineering father is using her as a pawn for his financial gain. She ends up at an orphanage where she makes friends and is deciding what to do next when the storm hits. In this book, you'll learn a little bit about the history of weather-forecasting too. 

Ironically, the next book I chose to listen to was What You Wish For, and it's a story that takes place in... Did you guessed it? - Galveston, Texas! It's present day though, and is about a private elementary school and the school librarian who - at one point in the story - tells children about the 1900 hurricane. I couldn't have picked out such a story if I tried! The book's focus is on the school's new principal who has railroaded their traditions, changing everything to emphasize school security. 

I think I pretty much like anything written by Kate Alice Marshall. While her story themes may be a bit far-fetched, she's very entertaining.

For example, in I'm Still Alive, we're following a teenage girl, Jess, who has been left stranded in the north woods of Canada. Winter is coming, and she must remember everything she's been taught, and has yet to figure out, about how to survive on her own. 

The Wedding Vow is an exciting read from the perspective of a young wife who's learning that her beloved dead husband was a conniving philanderer. It's one of those wonderful stories where the author leads you through the book by a nose ring - sure you know who the real culprit is - and then brings you up short.

Dandy Smith is another good author. Thanks Karen E.! 

As for the book Write Me for You... boy, is it heart-wrenching! I mean, I'd rate it higher because it's well-written, but the topic is difficult.

Teenagers June and Jesse meet at a special hospital - a lovely Texas horse ranch - to participate in a drug trial meant as a last ditch effort to save people with acute myeloid leukemia. They become the focus of a beautiful love story.

Take a screen shot, shown in rating order, so you'll have it the next time you're looking for a book. Enjoy!

Linda

Filmstrip Quilt Tutorial

So many quilters have asked me questions about how I made my Filmstrip Quilt (I gave it its name based on the width of the strips) that I thought you'd enjoy having a little guidance when you decide to make your own. 

First though, allow me give credit where it's due. My friend Cindy @cbubblesnsews was working on her strippy, scrappy quilt while on our Central Florida MQG retreat in May.

At right is my photograph of Cindy's top.

Cindy is quick to credit our friend Janice for the idea. Below is Janice showing one of several she has made.

I'm happy to share what I know and learned through the making process. The concept and "rules" for this design are straightforward: 

1. All strips are cut 1½" wide, and are pieced end-to-end with a shortened stitch length.
2. Every print wraps around a corner. 
• Choose prints with value contrast. The greater value difference, the better.
• Don't hesitate to add neutral/low volume prints. 
• I did not use any solids in my quilt, though you may!
3. Press each seam - every time - after it has been sewn, to ensure your quilt lays flat.
• To reduce bulk, I pressed open seams because I knew I'd be quilting on my home sewing machine.

When cutting the length of the first 1½"-wide, know this:

The length of the first center strip determines the difference between the length and width of the quilt top.

For example. My center strip is 5½"-long, so my quilt top is 64" X 69" - a difference of 5". 

Another example: For a quilt top that's 52" X 60", start with a 8½"-long center strip.

And another example: For a quilt top that's 60" X 70", start with a 10½"-long center strip.

A ½" is added for the seam allowances. Get it?

• I began with a 1½" X 5½" strip;
• then sewed a 1½" X 1½" yellow print square to the top of the 5½" strip;
• then added a 1½" X 6½" yellow print strip to the right side;
• then added a 2½"-long aqua print strip to the bottom; 
• then continued with the aqua print on the left side;
• and so on.

I never first measured the length of a side, cut the strip that length, and then sewed it. I always sewed first, then cut off at the end. That's certainly contrary to what we've learned about joining a border to a quilt center but... 

1) I always use the dual feed feature on my Bernina, to ensure both fabrics were piecing as one.

2) When the quilt top was getting larger (about 14" or more to a side), I pinned seams before piecing.

3) I always pressed every seam as I progressed

Janice said she pieced this quilt top differently, measuring each side, then cutting the strip to match. She pinned only at the beginning and end.

So there you go... two different ways to approach piecing. Pick your poison! 

Once you've got a good start, it's easy to continue sewing from a fabric "reel" pieced from strips sewn end-to-end. (See how I'm using film terms to stay with our theme?) 

Not knowing how many strips I would need, my first reel was 35 linear yards of fabric. (Yes, I measured.) When piecing the first reel, I was more inclined to use shorter strips, some being only 10" long, cut from a layer cake.

My second reel was 40-yards long.

In the two pictures below you can see how I made sure each print wrapped around the corner. No print stops at a corner.

That around-the-corner look is what makes the design effective.

After sewing each strip to a side, I stepped to my ironing table to press seams open. 

Sometimes I sprayed the seam allowance with Magic Quilting and Crafting Spray, and sometimes I sprayed Faultless Niagra Spray Starch. One or the other was invaluable for ensuring that the quilt top remained flat while I pieced.

I never did any fabric trimming to straighten the edge of a strip. 

Two very important lessons-learned.

First Lesson

As you're piecing, it's sometimes necessary to remove a strip of fabric from your reel. 

For instance, if a strip you're adding ends at the end of an already-pieced strip, and there isn't enough of same-print strip to wrap around a corner... 

OR

If a strip you're ready to sew to a side is the same fabric that's already pieced to that side... 

Stop. Unpiece that strip from the reel. Sew to join the next strip. Move on. 

What I'm trying to explain is that you'll find that not every strip on your reel is the proper length or correct fabric to add to your top. So expect to pause, unsew the offending strip, and continue with the next piece. You can always join the removed strip later, to another side. 

My 1½" strips were progressively longer as my quilt top got larger. But I never used a full 40"-42" width of fabric. When I cut a 1½" X 40" strip from yardage (as I had to do to get longer strips), I always cut it into two pieces. The dashed line indicates approximately where I cut a strip into two pieces, as I tried to keep strips in random lengths.

In keeping with the scrappy theme, I pieced a backing. It's somewhat similar to the quilt top, though more closely follows the design of a Log Cabin. 

For batting I used Quilter's Dream Cotton Request, my favorite go-to batting.

For quilting on my home machine, I chose one large spiral. In hindsight, this was not a good choice.

Second Lesson

After quilting, I noticed that the quilt center seemed mashed - squashed-out - "cup-py" or "puddily" for lack of better terms. I believe that the "push" created by the presser foot moving in an outward spiral, forced all those straight seams into curves.

Sigh. 

I'll mention though that I loved quilting with Scanfil 30-weight thread! I used the lovely yellow (far right) on top, and Scanfil beige 50-weight in the bobbin. Scanfil quilted beautifully.

 It's my poor choice of a quilting design that spoiled it. Though it looks nice here!

Thinking to ease out some of the puddle-effect, after quilting I washed and blocked the quilt. Washing seemed to help, though I'm really glad I tossed two Carbona Color Grabbers into the machine! Yikes!

I'm a dedicated pre-washer, but for this quilt I used some unwashed layer cake prints - like the tone-on-tone purple and pink prints in the picture below. No doubt those are some of the colors caught in the color grabber sheets.

Binding is a fun, diagonally printed striped.

Being a fabric-tracker, I am delighted to report that making this 63" X 67½" quilt used 7.449 yards of fabric. Isn't it a good scrap-buster?

I hope this tutorial proves useful, and that you have lots of fun and success making your own Filmstrip Quilt. 

I'd love to hear how it goes for you. If you comment, be sure I know your email address. I will reply so you can send me a picture of your quilt. I'd love to see! Linda 

Variety!

I have been inattentive to my blog.

Time has gotten away as commitments have dominated my life. This past week I had three medical appointments, work began on changing our screened-in lanai to an enclosed space, and I attended my regular activities. 

With limited bursts of time for working on one thing, I found myself project-hopping.

A lot!

I started knitting another Cupcake Skirt Doll on the 24-peg round loom. 

I did a little diamond painting. (No, I haven't yet begun trying to correct the Ocean sunrise painting. See last blog post.)

Made small progress on hand-piecing Inner City.

I crocheted more 4½" medallions, and need 15 more to begin assembling my Crochet Lacy Motif Top. 

In fits and starts I completed sewing a jumper like those being made by some of the young girls in our local 4-H Club. I'll be wearing mine to the November club meeting. 

This is McCall's 7831 in a size 12. Before sewing, I hand-embroidered a pocket design using a pattern from my digital copy of Aneela Hoey's book Stitch and Sew.

At the September 4-H Club meeting, two women came from the Junk Journaling Club to teach the kids how to make a book. After making the book, the kids were to use it to take notes and write about their experience sewing their garments.

Anyway, as I assisted the kids making their books, I was fascinated by the project.

"Squirrel!"

This week, after a medical appointment, I stopped at Michaels to buy 12" X 12" cardstock with which to make my own book. Unable to find a two-sided print design, I opted for a single color. 

It was fun to be creative! Once I'd folded and made the book cover, I used a scalloped-edge rotary cutting blade to cut fabric scraps to arrange and glue to the front and back covers. I like that the cover interior has two pockets.

At left: The interior "signature" (pages) is an assortment of what I could come up with here at home - a combination of construction paper, different sizes of graph paper, transparency paper, and printer paper for a total of 10 pages that I trimmed and folded to sew into the book. 

At right: Pages are hand-sewn with pearl cotton along the ¼"-wide spine.

Instructions to make a 12" X 12" Quick Journal are in this YouTube video. I'm already using my book to record my morning devotions, and plan to make another book soon.

As fun as these are to create, I am reminded of why I've never allowed myself to try scrapbooking or card-making. I'd be hooked!

Lastely, I completed the Filmstrip Quilt. In an upcoming blog post, I will share a complete tutorial of how I made it.

As of today, I have yet to begin making eight Posh Penelope blocks for October.  

My to-do list is definitely full of variety. Linda

Diamond Painting Kit Update

In early June, I attended my first Diamond Painting Club meeting. It's where I first learned about this interesting hobby - a way to create sparkly pictures with a kit. Diamond painting has been likened to paint-by-number, or counted cross stitch, both of which I've done in my lifetime. Heck, I even owned a counted cross-stitch shop, called The Stitchery Niche, back in the early 1980s, when we lived in Iowa. 

Anyway, diamond painting interests me, so after making my first little picture...

I ordered three kits. The first came from Diamond Painting Pro, and two came from an Etsy shop.

I quickly learned that not all diamond painting kits are created equal.

I happily plunged into a lovely ocean sunrise kit from Diamond Painting Pro, making great progress in about 20 hours of "painting." When I was about one-third down from the top, I noticed that the sun was pink.

Pink! Shouldn't that be yellow?

This is my photo of the diamond painting of the pink sun with one drill removed to check that I was using the color according to the key. I was. 

Close up of the sun.

Color 819 is definitely pink!

comparison photo of website picture, and my diamond painting

I contacted the company who promptly replied that they would send me (at no charge) yellow drills with which to correct the error. I only needed to tell them which colors I wanted. That's when I learned that drills are colored using the same system as DMC colors - just like the floss colors used to stitch counted cross stitch. 

However, not wanting to be the artist designing my own canvas, I asked for a corrected canvas instead. I was assured a new, replacement kit would be designed and sent to me. Three weeks later (that's how long a kit takes to come from China), I received my replacement kit - a new canvas and all 42 drills colors. There was NO YELLOW among them. The sun was still color-coded pink.

That's when I worked out that this company must use some type of digital program to assign colors to a picture. A real artist (person) would not have colored the sun this way. 

So, I again contacted the company, simply to say I was unhappy with the second kit. That's when they suggested they would send me a different kit of my choice, or give me a store credit. I appreciate that they really seemed to want to work out the problem. 

After looking at a friend's finished diamond painting of a sunset, and noting her sun colors, I decided to ask for seven colors/values of yellow drills, AND a store credit. They gave me both.

The drills I received are on the left.

The $56 ocean kit cost me $46.39 (I received a first-time buyer 20 percent discount).

I now have a $20 store credit. 

Diamond Painting Pro has been very fair about trying to correct their error.

Now I have to be the artist of my own painting, removing drills from the sun and replacing them with yellow ones, and I also must determine how to place the correct colors of yellow reflecting across the water. 

That's gonna take some thinking, and work.

Until I'm ready to tackle it I've been painting the palm tree silhouette/ocean sunset painting bought on Etsy. The colors are correct on this one. It's the square drills that aren't top-notch. Many of them are misshapen, or have untrimmed edges that make them impossible to use.

The piece of release paper in the photo is covering the next section I will begin painting. 

With this kit I've had several drills not stick to the pre-glued canvas, even after using a roller on the painted sections, to ensure drills are stuck into place. I Googled what to use to re-glue drills, and bought this Tombow scrapbooking glue at Hobby Lobby. It works! 

Experience is a good teacher, isn't it? You get what you pay for. 

When I've finished these kits, probably not until next year, if I ever want another one, I plan to order from Diamond Art Club. Their paintings are generated by people who are artists, and though their kits are more expensive than others, the quality of the canvas and drills are evidence of their of their worth. Linda