Fiddlesticks!

Momcat finally settled into the recliner so that we could have a cuddle and a conversation about the retreat she went on last weekend. Although she didn't accomplish nearly as much as she thought she would (too much time spent giggling and playing Left-Right-Center, perhaps?) she feels great about what she did manage to get done.

Here's the Fiddlesticks top, sans outer border. Not bad considering how many pieces are involved. Proves how much it pays to have things cut ahead of time. Look closely and you'll find the "humble" block. Some people purposefully put in one block that serves to remind them that only God is perfect. Momcat never gets to put one in on purpose. Her imperfections just naturally show up uninvited! mew


You'll be seeing this again when it's completed. At Momcat's given rate of UFOs, that might not be for several years.

She also completed 188 small flying geese blocks for another project.

Here's an equation to remember:

Momcat + Sewing Machine + 3:30 a.m. = Frogging (see sidebar for definition)

There are about 50 of those flying geese blocks that had to be unsewn and redone because they turned into trapezoids rather than flying geese blocks. Thank goodness Momcat didn't cut the waste triangles as she went!

What a blessing friends are! The ride to retreat was delightful. Cathy is a down-to-earth, wise, generous soul. Cathy introduced Momcat to a store called Valley Quilts which is a sweet store with lots of neat things to see. Each store has its own personality. Below is a picture of Cathy's dog, Daisy, seeing us off. I would have preferred to see a picture of Smudge, a fellow feline, but she was wisely in hiding.


When they arrived at the retreat center Momcat had such fun meeting people that she'd only known through their online communication. They took her completely by surprise when she found out that they'd made a comfort quilt for me. (Yes, for me. I comfort Momcat, so her friends know just how important it is for me to feel engulfed in loving support). Naturally, interspersed among the beautiful blocks you'll find some cat fabrics.


Momcat was so overwhelmed that she hardly knew what to say. I, on the other hand, know that I am totally deserving of anything that someone chooses to do for me. In fact, I sometimes think, is that IT? Truthfully, beans need this kind of community and I'm so glad that Momcat has found her niche.

Jill made several of the blocks, along with Jen, Moneik and Cathy. (Please leave a comment if I've left someone out.) Jill and Jen did the quilting (the night before leaving for retreat, no less) and Moneik did the binding. Jen also made a pillowcase for me.

I have more to share from retreat, but right now I want to rest my weary head on my new pillow.

Purrs,
Piwacket

Great Weekend

We put that balance of "Mary and Martha" into practice over the weekend. Plenty of productivity, relationship work, reflection and joy.

First of all, another project is being readied for the St. Jude's retreat, which is now less than two weeks away. Portugal is a fabric line by Moda and Linda purchased this as a kit while vacationing last fall in Myrtle Beach, SC with bff Kim.


That's now a total of four projects going to retreat. There's no way that they will all get done, but what a great way to get some chain piecing done!

Linda's also been programming her IPOD with music and books (currently listening to Bare Bones by Kathy Reichs).

Friday morning Linda met dear friend Monica at Panera's to catch up. (Friends for over 25 years are worth celebrating!) Friday evening Butch and Sundance rejoined our household. They went for a visitation to CatDaddy's apartment. It's been quite an adjustment to have them back. Trouble, their nurturing mother-like cat, has been hissing and swatting at them for days. I'll be glad when things get back to normal and we can just ignore each other again.

Friday evening Linda and CatDaddy attended Philip's concert at Miami University. The Cheezies were magnificent!

Saturday morning Linda puttered, kind of tired and still coughing. Saturday evening Pal Judy came over for pizza and a movie. They had such a good time talking and looking through quilting books that the movie never was played.

Philip came home for Easter Sunday and returned to school today. Always good to have him here.

Linda's over pneumonia. We've heard of three other people who have had it this past week. Strains that are growing resistant to antibiotics, perhaps?

The grass had its first cutting of the season yesterday, just in time for the downpours here today. It was important for Linda to see that she can manage the house by herself. It was a glorious sunny day!