I always smile when I think about the lyrics to the Garth Brooks song, Unanswered Prayers. I’ll bet we can all think of things, or even relationships, from our past that we thought we would just die without, and then many years later, we’re thankful that those things never happened as we wished.
On a similar thought, often things happen that I think are problems but when I look back, I see that good came from those tjomgs. I think a lot of it is how we look at things and if we believe everything happens for a reason and if we look for good more than we look for bad.
In late November, I was waiting on fabric from Quiltmaker for one of my designs that will be in an upcoming issue of Quilts from 100 Blocks. It’s always a pretty tight schedule to get those projects made, and with the holidays and the kitchen work being done, I was tempted to tell them I couldn’t make the quilt but then I figured I needed to get back in the sewing room so I agreed to make it. The fabric never arrived and I figured they had gotten delayed in sending it but when I wrote them to ask, it had been sent and had been delivered . . just not to my house. Through a serious of events that were no one’s fault, the package had gone out with an old address, had been delivered to the old address and could not be found. I now believe that the first package was lost because I needed that project last week . . something that HAD to be done, that I couldn’t put aside and feel sorry for myself. I had to brush my tears away and get busy.
More fabric was ordered and shipped to me. It arrived on Tuesday, December 17. It needed to be mailed back to them by December 31 in order to get to them on time. That left me about 12 days to get a quilt pieced, quilted, bound and back to UPS. Did I mention that the border has 936 triangles?
There was a lot of red and black and cream fabric, and a bit of brown, so I wasn’t comfortable not washing the fabric. Wednesday morning, the 18th, I took the time to wash the fabrics, all separately. I planned to start sewing on Wednesday afternoon but that’s when we had our little chicken disaster around here and Wednesday, sewing was out of the question. Thursday, I was very thankful for the project because I would have spent the day sitting and crying but instead, I had to force myself to get to work and get that quilt made.
Christmas Day, Vince and I were here alone. Christmas is for families and it was hard not being with Chad, Nicole and Addie. Again, I was glad to have the Quiltmaker project. Not many folks would have been thankful to have spent all day Christmas Day sewing but I was very thankful to have a fast approaching deadline!
So, you see, what started out as an “Oh, my goodness . . can I possibly meet this deadline” type project, turned out to be the project that helped me get through a couple of very rough days.
Longarm
I keep the longarm rollers/leaders covered to keep nosy kitty off them so that all had to be unpinned, and taken off. The top was loaded, quilted and then the rollers/leaders were securely covered again.
Then the Bernina, which I only use for binding, and the table gets so full of clutter, had to be cleaned off so I could get the binding done.
I am happy to report that the quilt was sent off yesterday (Friday, the 27th) and my goal was to get it off by Monday, the 30th. Despite a few setbacks, it’s done.
Watch for that next Quilts from 100 Blocks issue coming out in March and when you see the quilt I made, you can smile and remember that you all knew what all I went through while making that quilt. The fabrics are not fabrics I would have chosen, though I was thrilled that they were tone on tone fabrics, but I think because of what I went through while making this quilt, it may end up being one of my favorites and one I look at for many years and remember Miss Hattie, or Hattie Girl as I often called her. sometimes with tears and sometimes with smiles.
wanda ll says
Did I miss something? What has happened to Ms. Hattie? I did a search and nothing came up about her demise. I sure hope something didn’t happen. I loved hearing about her and all that she,Vince and you did.
Sue K says
can’t wait to see the quilt. Good for you for persevering during tough times. . . .
Sharon in Michigan says
I cant wait to see your project – talk about stress! Which now brings me to the question of Miss Hattie – I missed something too. However, I did surmize that the fox hit the chicken house. So, so sorry. The neighbors dog got our entire coop several years ago – not a pretty memory. You hang in there girl – 2014 will be better 🙂
Robin Crittenden says
Judy, I knew from the few comments that something bad happened to your girls. I know how horrible that is. I won’t discuss as I don’t want to make you sad but know I care. Can’t wait to see the quilt. Glad Boots let you work. Aren’t you gad you’ve got Boots. He is a beautiful boy.
I know God works in our lives every minute of everyday so that gives me comfort.
Rosie Davis says
I too missed what happened to miss Hattie!
I’m looking forward to seeing your quilt Judy.
marion morgan says
I was worried about you. Glad you are feeling somewhat better; sewing and quilting and even knitting helps lots of things go by you thought you would never get through. I associate events. good and bad, with certain quilts I’ve made. Have a happy day.
Donna in KS says
God works in ways we don’t always see…..our grandson, always intending to go to Med School was not accepted; it was stunning to all who knew his academic records, and beyond disappointing to him. Surprisingly quickly, he was offered a position as histologist for a local dermatology clinic. He became aware of some “spots” on his dad (our oldest son) and “bugged” him to come see the doctor. Short version, early diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma and almost immediate treatment,good prognosis! “God works for the good of those who love Him”. So thankful for our experience and for you, Judy, that you found solace in your project!
Annie says
Judy, when the time is right do give us a bit of information about what happened to the chickens. The fact that you do keep alluding to the mishap keeps us curious and concerned. No details, just a line or two.
We love you and your pets and share your sadness when something happens.
Judy D in WA says
Quilting is therapy.
I’ve been thinking of you.
Vivian Oaks says
I agree with the others – we knew something was going on, but that’s when you decided to “take some time off” from your blog. I was surprised it wasn’t longer than it was, but glad to keep hearing of your exploits. Love Boots, too, and keep bugging my hubby that I want a chicken coop in my back yard! …all from hearing of your chicken stories. Thanks for all the beautiful patterns you’ve gifted us, and I’ll continue to watch my emails for those from you! Things DO happen for a reason. Have a blessed New Year!!!
Diana in RR,TX says
Quilting is good therapy and what is even better you have something to show for it! It helps to take our mind off of things and makes us concentrate on something else.I am happy the timing and the dead line for this project kept you busy. Yes, it is amazing how things turn out sometimes. Can’t wait to see the magazine.
Diana in RR,TX says
P.S. Almost went to San Saba yesterday to the Wedding Oak Winery. Instead we went to Llano and looked at the Eagles-there is at least one very young chick in the nest. Galen could see it through his long camera lens.
Bev Gunn says
You must be near Lubbock! Love the Llano wine jellies-my in-laws lived in Lubbock and we got jellies for several Christmas presents! YUM!
Regina says
Glad you had this project to help you through the rough days… can’t wait to see it, and remember all your stories of your girls!!
Dottie N. says
Looking forward to seeing your new quilt when the new Quiltmaker (100 blocks) magazine comes out.
I, too, had been wondering about the chickens, including Miss Hattie. Always loved the stories you shared with your blog readers – you have such a knack for story telling and it’s really appreciated.
So glad y’all have Boots, as well as Speck and so glad to hear their stories as well. Happy New Year to you and Vince.
Sue Lord says
I understand how you feel. However, I am very sorry for your loss. Hope your Christmas was very merry!
Patty says
Judy,
I’ve found that quilting is good for my souls and I’m glad that it was there to help you through some sad times. Looking forward to seeing your quilt.
Donna Phelps says
I have to agree with the others who have commented. I too wondered if something had happened to Miss Hattie and surmised a fox.I am so happy for you that you were able to keep busy. Thank Him for the blessings He brings to us daily. I love hearing about your life and all that is in it.You bring all your readers in closely. Thank you for that.
glen in louisiana says
I love the new word you made up. I need to use it creatively in my blog tomorrow.
I second the others, tell us what happened. It can be cathartic.
Shari says
So sorry for your loss.
Susan says
That’s interesting, because my friend Moira had exactly the same problem with the address. The fabrics went to her old address, even though they have her new one, and it was a runaround circus. She still doesn’t know if she made the photography shoot because FedEx promised to have it there by 10 and didn’t get it there until almost noon. Weird that both of you would have the same old-address problem!
I always figure there are no unanswered prayers, just answers I don’t always want to hear. I’m glad the project came at the right time.
Brandy M says
I’m so glad you had this project to work on to keep you occupied & moving forward. You’ve been in my thoughts.
Squeezy hugs to you & Vince!
🙂
Teresa in Music City says
Just sending my comfort to join the words of all the other friends you have out here in blog land Judy! I’ve been praying for you since you shared the news that something had happened. It’s not really necessary to know exactly what – just that you were devastated was enough! I’m glad you had something to keep you busy and help you through it. Can’t wait to see your quilt in Quiltmaker! Hugs!!!!
Joanna says
Dear Judy,
So sorry about your loss of your favorite little red hen. Please extend my thoughts to Vince, as I know they were buddies.
Hugs, joanna
Silvana says
Dear Judy , I will follow you every day and even those who do not receive your e-mail I open your site. I also like the others I realized that something bad has happened in the house and , believe me, even though I am completely out of your reality I am sorry , because every animal becomes part of the family . Also I like you I find solace in sewing and handicrafts in all creative and , when I finish some projects I feel lost and I have suffered another ‘s start . I also like you are alone and have no one around and I spent Christmas with melancholy. But I think everything happens because what it should be. I am very fatalistic .
I do not know if I’ll write again before the end of the year, and I still want to thank you for everything you do for us, but for everything from quilting, the knitting , recipes , but mostly I’m glad I found you because even if you do not know personally I wish you a world of good .
I wish you a happy and peaceful new year to you and your entire family .
Hello Judy soon Silvana in Italy
Dana Pellerin says
Sorry to hear about Miss Hattie, our prayers go out to you and Vince. Seems odd to have a chicken for a pet but I know you loved that chicken and Vince also.She had a really funny personality and chose you and Vince as her parents. Hope you get that fox. Dana
Mel Meister says
God Bless you, Judy.
Rebecca in SoCal says
I’m glad you had something to keep you occupied during your difficulty. Those may not be colors you would choose, but they sound perfect for commemorating Miss Hattie. (You DO get the quilt back, I hope).
I would be thankful to have spent Christmas day sewing rather than what I did, so you are not alone.