Pennsylvania Redwork - Unfinished Business



Looks a little bit Christmas-y, doesn't it?
~
Life has a way of slowing you down sometimes.
I dug out this project I started a few years back,
looking for some mindless task to keep me-self occupied.
It's been on my mind lately, because it's unfinished business.
~
There's things I want to finish, just for the fact that I don't
like loose ends.
The pattern and fabric are from a kit I got years
ago- just had to have it because of all the bright colors.
This is a very ambitious project.
It's Pennsylvania Redwork, designed by Ann Kennedy, and
it was published by Labors of Love.  I can't find them
anymore.  I think they sold a lot of these kits, but I've never
seen one of them finished.

Quilt is 82" wide by 102" long.
~
The quilt involves LOTS of little pieces.  I thought at first,
that I'd be able to applique by needleturn, but they were
just too small.  Fusible machine applique was my only option.
Here are a few of the center blocks.



Sometimes I still feel as empty as this chair inside,

due to the loss of my mother.

But I'll keep going and one day I'll have this quilt finished

and hanging upon my wall.

It will remind me that love endures

no matter what happens.

Thank You, Susan Branch - "Autumn" Book Review

Okay, we're ready now- Lill Annie, my Hot Cocoa and book
~
Hello dear readers. It has been 17 days since Dottie Rose
passed away. My heart remains heavy and sad, but some
of the sting of loss has lessened. There is comfort for those
who have lost a loved one, which Dear God provides, I can
assure you.
~
Today, I wish to share with you my review of a book by
Susan Branch. If you are at all having a sad time in your
life, you should visit her blog and website. She proclaims
to have the "happy gene", and I believe she really does.
This is not to say that she is not like everyone else, that there
are times when sad things happen, but her expression of
life is so joyful, that she can carry you along to loftier
places- because she chooses to! I just can’t tell you how
many times I have felt sad and have read her blog entry
for the day, and have gotten a lift! It’s like comfort and
a hug, whenever you need one.

On to the book: Autumn. I have seen on her blog, that
unfortunately this one is out of print, so I am glad I bought
this one last year. I have taken a few pictures of some
of the pages, with my lovely assistant, Lill Annie #1.
(You can get Lill Annie # 2 HERE.)

All of Susan’s books are like this one, beautifully illustrated

and written by the author. Now THAT, my friend, is a

real treat! She has written many books, so you’ll be able

to find them in bookstores and used bookstores too.

Another of her books I am going to treat myself to is her

new book about her trip to England earlier this year. She

is working on it now and you can see bits and pieces of it

on her blog.

The cookbook is a real treat, as I’ve said. The recipes are

easy to follow, the results tested and approved! Lots of the

recipes have a gourmet touch, to make them interesting and

extra special. The Cocoa mix is the best- I drink it all winter.

Making the marshmellows was fun. I rate Susan’s books as a 12

better than 10 – as the best gift books to give any woman on your

list- mother, sister, friend or yourself!

And thank you Susan for sharing your life with us!

It has helped me for many a time to get through what

ever I was going through!

 

Alas, My Dottie Rose is Gone........

Hello dear readers.

My mother passed away this morning.

She was 90 years old.

Even when you know someone is on the way to dying,

it's still a shock when it does happen.

Suddenly, that person is here no more.

I'm not sure quite how to react, or what to do,

I only feel emotions right now,

which is a great sadness.

~

I'm so glad I talked to her a few days ago,

in which we both said "I love You."

I knew in my heart she was saying goodbye.

~

I'm sorry, I can't go on writing right now,

but I had to show you her picture when

she was at one of the happiest times in her life.

~~~

Rest in Peace, Dottie Rose, and Rejoice in Heaven.

Love you, dear mother.

XXOO,  BB