Half the arcs for the next Summer Picnic Dish block have been done and the pieces are printed, cut out and ready to stitch for the rest of that block and for a few more.
The change in plans? My aunt’s birthday is coming up in August, at which time she will be 90. There will be a party for her and I’ve decided to make her a lap quilt. She’s an amazing lady, sharp as can be and funny. I have some absolutely marvelous memories of playing double solitaire with her in the summers at a cottage. The two of us would end up in fits of laughter as we tried to be the first to go out and win those games.
Now the decision is whether to make the summer picnic dish into a lap quilt for her, which is Mr. Q.O.’s choice. He thinks that something bright and cheerful is the best idea.
The other idea? Doing something with Winding Ways blocks using fabrics like these:
I have to decide and get started on it this weekend as I want lots of time to make this the best lap quilt I possibly can. She’s my only aunt and is someone who really does appreciate items made by hand. I gave her a lace tablecloth which I had crocheted when I was in my early 20s. She still talks about it. The same with an afghan I knit for her when I was a teenager. She’s a small lady, so it will not be a huge quilt. I’m thinking something in the range of 48 by 54 inches or thereabouts.
The fabrics I’m thinking about for the winding ways idea in the picture above remind me, to a degree, of a chintz couch she has but they are more subdued than the floral and green in the pickle dish blocks. Any thoughts on this are more than welcome.
We did a little shopping on Thursday, which included a stop at Staples. Mr. Q.O. bought one of the Bamboo tablets for my computer. Getting used to it as a mouse took no time at all. I haven’t even scratched the surface of its capabilities which include, I think, the ability to add written captions to photos. I’m looking forward to playing with it this weekend.
Watching Smudge the last couple of days has been an absolute joy. I still can’t get over how lucky we were. This was taken shortly after he had his nightly yogourt treat on Wednesday night.
Lester was incredibly lively Wednesday night. One of the medications for his heart condition is only given every 3 days and on the days he gets that one, he acts like a kitten. Wednesday night was one of those nights. It’s wonderful to see him like that.
Quilt Obsession 
Well, may I be blunt? good! The thing is…. when you are in your 90’s, you need to GO FOR IT! Go with the brights! It’s spring, summer is coming… FUN! YES!
Now, that’s a harder pattern you are working on… You could start a newer one that wasn’t so time consuming in those brighter, pretty fabrics such as the ones you are using for your current pickle dish?! or you could continue with that one and give it to her…. I’m sure you’ll get it back some day and the memories will be even greater at that time knowing you’ve shared it with her!
Hey, life is short! I’m surrounded by older folks in their later years…. I try to get right to the point! 🙂
Have a great day! XO
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I need some of Lester’s heart pills so I can be active and frisky like a kitten once every three days!LOL! Imagine how much cleaner my sewing room would be!LOL! Love the fabric you picked for your Aunt’s quilt….my thought’s..don’t use too small of pattern pieces or you will lose that Chintz look 🙂
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I vote for the bright one.
I love!! my wacom tablet.
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I am with Sandra all the way and back!!!! My grandma made it upto 102 years and the older she became the more she fancied the bright colours!!! They made her happy she always said! But then again, you know your aunt best! Lots of success with the decision! Happy sewing, hugs, Daniëlle
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I’m with Mr QO….go for the bright one. It’s such a pretty piece :0)
Crispy
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Hi Cathi,
I agree with the others – go with the bright fabrics for your Aunt. Even though I would personally choose the Winding Ways fabrics for something in my home, I would make something bright and cheerful for someone else. I think aging eyes need bright, happy colors. With that said however, I think your Aunt would love anything that you made her – it’s from your heart and she would love that 🙂
Give Smudge a hug for me to let him know how happy we are that he made it through his needle ordeal! And how adorable Lester must be playing like a kittie!! They are so beautiful!
Have a great weekend!
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Lucky you to have such a lovely person still in your life. I wish my grandmothers had lived a bit longer so that I could have had a better appreciation for them while they were still alive.
I think both groups of fabric are beautiful and I know which ever you pick it will be a lovely quilt…can’t wait to see it!
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I think whatever you make her she will be pleased as punch to get.
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I’m certain your aunt will love whichever one you decide to give her, Cathi but my choice would be the Summer Picnic Dish. Go for the gusto! She sounds like the sort of lady who would love something like that.
Besides, it’s my fav. *wink*
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I go with Mr QO – (golly I love that name 🙂 ) Bright!
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I am with Mr. QO!! 🙂 Isn’t your aunt’s birthday in the summer? That would just be the perfect combination – a summery quilt for a summer birthday!
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I like both ideas so I’m no help at all but I think your aunt will love the quilt whatever fabric you decide to use.
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I agree with MR Q. go for the brights! Bess is spending more of the day in her bed now it is cool. and Spud is our big softie as usual.
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I think any version would be gorgeous and your Aunt will love it!
Glad to hear that Smudge is fine and that is a timely tip to bear; and Lester, as usual, is a sweetie.
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The Bamboo Tablet looks very interesting and I think I will have to put that on my Wish List. As for your Aunt’s birthday, guess I’m a little too late to give my opinion, but I love Summer Picnic Dish SO much that I would not want to give it away! LOL.
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