Sharing Quilt Projects Post #23
This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share a commission.It is time for another Sharing Quilt Projects post, this is number 23.
Whenever you make something using one of my tutorials or patterns I love seeing a photo of it and then sharing it with others. This is always so inspiring to me and others!
My life has been full of changes in the last 3 months and if you are interested, I’ll talk a little bit about it at the end of this post. For now, let me share what I’ve been working on and what has been shared with me.
My Quilt Projects
License Plates from quilt shops
Several years ago I picked up these neat fabric license plates from different quilt shops I visited. I was cleaning up my studio and found them and decided to make placemats from them.
I had nine of them and decided to make one more with a plain center. I hope to have these quilted soon.
More placemats
Placemats have always been one of my favorite things to make as we use them all the time. If you are a new quilter, placemats are a great way to practice your quilting on.
I’m still working with the rail fence blocks for placemats and table runners and will share the tutorial soon. These were made using a Christmas charm pack I bought several years ago from Primitive Gathering similar to these fabrics. I am making some that will be square and some for a round table like the Country placemats I made a couple of years ago.
Quilt Projects Shared With Me
It is always so much fun to see all of the beautiful quilt projects that you are making! I have all kinds of beautiful quilt projects to share with you this time!
River Scraps
Linda has really been busy making River Scraps quilts! Here is what she had to say about them.
I collected scraps from my fellow quilters and about 7 years ago I spent 6n weeks one summer sorting and cutting them into appropriate precuts. This year – after stress sewing for Christmas – I pulled out my shoebox of 2 1/2″ charms. First I sewed lights and darks together. Then I sorted into colour groupings and made 16 patch blocks. I pulled all the creamy whites and off-whites from my stash and (being too lazy to cut into 2 1/2″ charms) I cut 2 1/2″ WOF strips into 4 1/2″ and 6 1/2″ strips. I pulled out my shoebox of random cut triangle offcuts (from those collected scraps) and selected two pairs each for the triangle points in your blocks and added the borders for 16 patch blocks. I liked how the triangles could determine the colours of the finished block. Then I sorted the finished blocks into four piles and made 4 lap size quilt tops – 52″x64″ after adding 8″ borders. I love this block! And it was a relaxing project. My daughter is going to long arm them for me. I will probably donate them somewhere although I might just keep them to admire for a while.
River Scraps quilt blocks post.
Scrappy Butterfly
June shared her beautiful Scrappy Butterfly quilt that will be used as a picnic blanket. Love the changes she made to it!
Scattered
Anna shared this beautiful quilt that she made using my Scattered quilt pattern. I really love the addition of the border she added! Get the pattern here.
Twisting Heart
Pamela made this adorable wall hanging using my Twisting Heart tutorial. This is always a fun quilt project to make.
Patchwork Rabbit
Mary Sue made this beautiful wall hanging using my Patchwork Rabbit pattern, great job!
Who’s Who
Laura used my Who’s Who tutorial to make this beautiful wall hanging. She used just the center part of the pattern and it looks great!
Sherbet Stripes Table Runner
Juliet made this beautiful table runner using my Sherbet Stripes tutorial. I really love the binding! She said she is just learning free motion quilting, I think her work is perfect!
Sharing Pets
I always enjoy it when you share photos and stories about your pets. If I had my way, we would have more.
Australian brush tail marsupial possum
Now, this little cutie isn’t a pet but Diane from Grenfell NSW Australia sent me these cute photos of an Australian brushtail marsupial possum. I have to say that it is a lot cuter than the possums we have here in Iowa. Here is what she wrote – “This fellow decided to sleep near laundry door, then went for a feed of parsley and then back to groom himself. Shows no fear of us and not scared of our two cats who are totally ignoring him.”
Mama Deer and Fawn
I have been spending a lot of time watching the deer in our backyard. We have been watching this sweet fawn grow up. The fawn seems fascinated by the trail camera I have on the tree and is always going right up to it. In the background is the apple tree and draws all of the deer.
Here is a 30 second video of the mama and fawn. I hope you enjoy watching them.
Mr. Mickey
We have found out that Mr. Mickey has congestive heart failure and we have him on three different medications that seem to be working. My vet said that there was another dog taking the same medications and lived 2 1/2 years so we are hoping for that for him.
He got used to sitting in the swivel rocker with Bob’s mom while she was with him and now it is a regular routine several times a day where he stands by the chair and looks at me as if to say “Come on mom”. I stop what I’m doing and cuddle him for a bit, he is fascinated by the deer in the backyard but doesn’t bark at them.
He sure loves his pillow! By the way, that is my red leather couch that turned out to be a wine color, not red.
What has been going on in my life
I never thought I would NOT want to quilt or work on my website but I guess I haven’t handled all the changes we have had lately very well.
We took care of Bob’s 100-year-old mother for 3 months. She was a sweetheart but it finally became too much for me and we moved her to a nursing home. She is doing fine but of course, misses living with us. I still feel guilty about not keeping her but I was really getting depressed.
On top of that, my daughter took a new job 3 1/2 hours away. I helped her move last week and we will now have to sell her house. If you have followed me for a while then you know we moved here 3 years ago to be close to her and the granddaughters. We just moved into this home last December but are now talking about moving again. Does that sound crazy?
Almost a month ago Mr. Mickey started having trouble breathing and we had an MRI done on him. He has congestive heart failure but the medications we now have him on seem to help. He will be on them for the rest of his life. We only take short walks now and limit playtime. One of the medications is Lasix and we are still experimenting with the correct dosage to slow down his coughing and gagging. His water bowl is always full and his potty routine has increased so we don’t leave him by himself for long.
Now that I have written a blog post again I think I am ready to jump back into quilting and work on all the new ideas I have.
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- My Amazon Store for all the quilting things I use and more
For more inspiration, find all the previous Sharing Quilt Projects posts here. If you have made anything with my tutorials and patterns please send me a photo so I can share it.
About Connie
Hi, I’m Connie Kresin Campbell, the quilter, writer, and photographer behind Freemotion By the River. I enjoy inspiring others with my quilt tutorials and patterns. You’ll also see my sweet adopted dogs from time to time.
Be sure and subscribe to my newsletter for more free tutorials and printables.
Praying for you and your family, so many changes for all of you.
Praying your mother in law adjusts and the Lord surrounds her with loving, caring friends.
Praying for your move too, that is such a stressor, something I’ve never enjoyed, but once settled in, it’s easy to put down roots, plus you’ll have new scenery that will inspire more colorful quilts.
Mr. Mickey looks like a sweetheart. Pets seems to sense the person that needs them the most and they stick by their side, they add so much to your life. I’m sure he misses your mother in law and she him.
Also, praying you get to enjoy many more years with Mr. Mickey and your mother in law.
Dear Connie, I enjoy your posts, especially knowing your dog is doing better. Today I am concerned about you. Please make time for your heart, soul, and brain to rest. Remember that self care will allow you to care for others. So many changes and so many stresses put you at risk for health issues. Celebrate what you have been able to do and do NOT focus on the coulda, woulda, shouldas.
Hi, Connie–
I’ve missed your posts and I’m happy you are back. You have had so much to deal with and your followers quite understand. In spite of all, you still make time to share pictures and videos with us. Thank you. Calmer times are ahead for you. I send you love.
I Love the license plate placemats. Would love to know where I might could get the squares for different states. Thank you.
Connie it is good to hear from you again. Change does happen. I always like to believe it is for a reason, although I don’t usually know the reason, but that learning does come in time. Another move for you, no problem, you’ve got this!
Really miss your posts. I know what you mean when you say that moving is an adventure. I just turned 65 & my husband and I will be moving again soon out to the country. This is our 8th move in the last 10 years and many many more before then. It is very hard work but it keeps us young and it makes me want to sew that much more when I get to break the machine out when were settle and have tons of new ideas to sew. Thank you for all your hard work on the blog and good luck with Mr Mickey 🙂
So good to have you back as we all have been wondering how things are going. I am in assisted living and have been for 6 years and LOVE it. I quilt every day and order thru my !!for new “stuff”. I will be 90 next month and still going strong as far as quilting goes. I am in a wheel chair as my legs gave out. Love your patterns and your projects!! Don’t move yet…..God will provide what you need to do….just ask Him to help you. GOD BLESS!!!
Oh sweet lady you have had a lot on your plate in the last few years! I do hope you will soon get back to all the fun quilting you do. Sewing is great therapy, which I am sure you know! Take care and hugs to you!
It’s good to know that quilting can be placed on the backburner but is still an available resource when you need it! Something about choosing pattern and color and stitching just soothes the soul. I don’t know why life throws us challenges by the score, but hopefully you can navigate through it all. I hope you don’t have to move again. Our recent life has taken several unexpected turns. Always try to look on the bright side.
Oh Ms. Connie – you have been missed . . . Welcome Back!! Sounds like you have turned life’s lemons into lemonade 😉 Rest assured that all of your trials will be worked out, just hang on for the ride. Give your Fur Baby lots of love and he’ll keep you and Bob headed in the right direction! Thank you for the sweet placemat idea. I, too have several of those quilt shop license plates to use. Take care of yourself and family. Hugs!!
I won’t repeat everything that’s already been said and just add my hope that your life will settle down and you can resume some of your favorite activities. And perhaps wait a bit and make sure your daughter is happy and secure with her new job before you sell and move again.
So glad you are starting to feel better and more like doing the things you love, Connie! One of our Shi-Tzus had CHF and was on Lasix for a couple of years. My grandpuppy who is 16 now I think, is on Lasix and one other med for CHF and the cough as well. I hope you have a long time with Mr. Mickey. I just love that River Scraps pattern. It is one of my favorites. Everyone did a great job with all their projects.
Like all comments before me, you were missed. I was concerned that you were ill but after caring for so many family members for so many years, in my heart I suspected that your situation had become overwhelming. I understand and I am an advanced practice nurse. It is so hard to care for loved ones at home. Just when you think things will settle another event, sometimes something minor, puts everything in jeopardy. I have totally lost my quilting/sewing/knitting mojo. I am trying to find a new work process, hope yours comes back full force, you are an inspiration.
So nice to hear from you again. It’s really good that you are getting back to what you enjoy and it’s ok to take care of you. Thank you for being so transparent and sharing. Many of us share similar challenges and we can all support each other. Looking forward to seeing what many more wonderful quilting projects you have. Doing what we love is the best therapy. God Bless
Hi Connie, it is good to see your newsletter in my email. I am sorry about all the unexpected changes that life is giving you. I hope you have better days ahead. After 2020, I had hoped 2021 would be different. It has come with its own challenges for a lot of us. I didn’t have the desire to sew but am
Getting back my Mojo. Hang in there and God bless
Hi Connie nice to hear from you again I’ve missed your emails
Sometimes it’s important to recognise we need to have our love ones in care as purpose built facilities and trained staff can make a difference and being with ones peers can often be an advantage for them
Poor Mr Mickey it’s hard as they decline but you sound like you have a good vet
Loved the quilt sharing some great ones in there I’ve been keeping busy as it’s winter here and the virus rearing it’s head agin. I’m fortunate to live in a regional area so impact is not as bad on me.
The deer and fawn video was great and loved seeing the Brush Tail Possum love that the cats ignore it.
Will look forward to your next email and blog
Carol-anne
Hi Connie,
I forgot to say to you that maybe you can meet somewhere half between your homes and have an enjoyable day together.
Hi Connie, I have saved a lot of your ideas as they are ideally suited to my taste. I am also living 3hrs drive from my daughter abut due to lockdowns in Victoria Australia have been able to see her about 3-4 times over the last 18 months. She is working from home still and it has been a hard slog for her. Her 2 dogs Dillon & Violet keep her company in her craft/office by sleeping at her feet. Violet also likes to steal her pens and likes to investigate her paper rubbish bin as well. We are still in lock down & cannot have any visitors at all for the next 2 weeks. It is hard to place a parent into care, but do not feel guilty as we all that decision to make at some stage of life. Hang in there and get back to your own therapy….. quilting💕
Hi Connie, I’m so sorry to hear about your mother-in-law having to go to a nursing home. It really is the best for her and that is what you want. And leaves a void in your house but she will be well taken care of. Sorry also to hear about Mr. Mickey. I’m grateful that the veterinarians have the right medication to put him on so you can keep him close for as long as you can. We sure do love our critters. On a happier note, the video of the deer was so cute. Maybe you could have the mama deer get some apples for you. She sure looks like she could reach up and pick them.Take care and try not to worry so much.
I did miss you was wondering what was wrong. I’m glad you are back I
hope you can stay where you are because you seemed so happy. when you moved there and you both have put a lot of work in the place and you like all the animals. I wish you many blessings for God knows what you need. 😊♥️
Hi, Connie ~~ So good to hear from you and Mr Mickey. Loved the wildlife update and your wonderfully creative ideas like the license plate place mats. Thanks for thinking of all of us. Sending best wishes your way.
Hi Connie. What a great “Connie’s back blog”, After every setback, there’s a new awakening.
Wonderful patchwork projects made by you and some of your followers. Congratulations ladies. So much inspiration – especially for a beginner like me.
Thanks for checking back in
with us. Sorry things have been
so rough. You should stay where
you are as your daughter may
move more until she is settled.
You enjoy your critters and have
your rooms like you want. Looks
like a lovely area. Sending love.
Carla from Arizona
So nice 2 hear from u! I have missed u but figured u were being challenged being a caretaker, etc. Yes, the older we get the more life challenges we have to deal with. I have found that quilting can be an escape 4 me during some of these times. Just don’t seem 2 get as much done with all the interruptions of living. Enjoyed your nature pictures. Take care!!
Nice to see you are back. I have missed your news letters. Thanks for sharing. You have gone through recent struggles and you are allowed some down time. Sometimes life needs to be put on hold in order to cope. Mr Mickey sure is a beloved pet and so lucky to have you and Builder Bob to care for him. Just know that you are an inspiration for all of us quilters out there and that we love you Connie.🥰🥰
I am so sorry for your troubles. Yes, I can understand how you have lost interest in your activities. Change is very hard on all of us. Whether you move or stay where you are, keep your hopes up! It was a challenge having another person in the home with you. You did well with that. Take care of yourself. Whatever decisions you and Builder Bob make, you can survive!! It was good to hear from you!!
I’ve missed your blog posts, but you have certainly had enough on your plate that is more important than blogging. Being a caregiver is hard work. I understand the guilt however when you finally realize you can’t do it any longer.
Being close to family is important. We were happy when daughter #2 and family moved back closer to us a few years ago. They were 4 hours away, and now are only 1 1/2 hours away.
Hopefully a little quilting – and blogging – will help relieve the stress. And snuggling with that sweet little dog. My best friend’s dog is going through the same – congestive heart failure. It’s hard to watch our much loved pets become less robust.
Connie,
You have a lot on your plate right now, and I’m proud of you for hanging tough. It’s hard going through all of this and all at the same time. In January, after not hearing from my mom for 2 days, my son and I found her on the floor at her home. She had a stroke. She is also now in assisted living. I feel guilty too, but I also know that she is well taken care of 24/7/365 and is eating much better now. The nurses there get to go home, get some rest, and then return to work. For us, the care taking and responsibility of someone else at home does not allow the luxury of resting and sleeping, and we are not registered nurses either. I totally take my hat off to all the people taking care of my mom. I will pray for Mr. Mickey and hope that he will adjust to his new medicine and stay strong. As far as moving – you are not crazy! You do have the most fun and exciting adventures! I don’t blame you for wanting to move! You get to choose what you want to do. Do whatever is fun for you! I’m going to be making some table runners from your patterns soon. I can hardly wait to get started! Have a good day my friend. Priscilla
Yes, I missed seeing your emails, also!. Glad to hear that you and Builder Bob are well and that his Mom is in a place where she can meet and enjoy others in her age group…it’s difficult caring for an aging parent and you want the very best for them. The visits you will have with your daughter & grand daughters will be extra special now. Mr. Mickey is a love and don’t these pets just hold onto your heart?!?
I like the idea of the license plate place mats. How about putting Free Motion by the River on the blank one.
Sorry to hear about your dog, hope he is doing well.
Our dog, Charlie, was diagnosed with congestive heart failure a few months ago. His symptoms were not coughing but his lungs filled with fluid and his breathing got very labored. It happened so suddenly. He is on four different meds and doing well, which we are so thankful for. He is a dachshund cross and is close to 14 now. They are not so different from us humans, but, let’s face it we think they are as human as they can get. Change is very difficult and I can relate to that and your moving. We moved from CA a year ago but are thinking of moving back. I just don’t know if I have another move in me, plus we are OLD. All will be well once you get back into a routine. It is always good to find you in my mailbox. Love to Mr Mickey and you take care, Connie.
Connie:
Thoughts & prayers for all the transitions in the phases of life that you have been facing. It isn’t easy, & I can relate to all your happenings with going through many of the same things. However, quilting is good therapy. Always look forward to getting & then thoroughly enjoying your posts when you are able to send ’em. Find so much inspiration. Stay strong, in His grip and look upward.
Maybe hold off a while on the move & look at the 2.5 hr. drive as a mini vacation, get-away adventure. Something to ALWAYS look forward to then.
We all missed you! Like the friend who lives 1/2 the year in Minn. and half in Sarasota!
Absolutely love the sharing of other quilts. So many different perspectives on the patterns.
And your furry friends!!!! Love the Momma deer picking apples!
Love to Mr. Mickey.
Thanks, Joan
I like the placemats you made from the license plates! I think the blank one should be changed to say “SEW CONNIE”. You know, 3.5 hours isn’t so far that you couldn’t see each other monthly or so. You have a really nice new home and moving is so much work! Caring for your MIL was a big job. She can make new friends and still see you both when you visit. I’m glad to have your blogs to read again.
So glad Mr. Micky is doing better. I was concerned when you didn’t email. I have been praying for him and your mother-in-law. Please don’t feel guilty about putting her in a home. We had to do that with my husband’s mom, but after a week or so she was okay with it and really enjoyed all the people there. Plus she was getting better medical attention the we could give her. She lived a good 5 happy years there before the Lord took her home. Good to see your new quilting projects.
sincerely,
donna Kwiatkowski
Hi Connie
Thank you for the update. You have been in my thoughts alot lately.
What an exceptional woman you are. Your heart is full of caring and kindness. Moving to be closer to your daughter and the grandchildren, caring for your dear mother in law until it became too much and your darling Mr Mikey with his health issues. What a women, your amazing.
And the thoughts of moving house again. WOW…your new place is just gorgeous and I love reading your posts and seeing pictures of all the wildlife as well as the gorgeous quilting projects.
You & Builder Bob are in my thoughts.
Thank you for sharing have been wondering about you God Bless