Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Scallops on my Cottage Garden

Hey—remember me? My college kids are tucked away in their universities and the house is quiet. For the record—Bruno,
Chelsey’s dog, is an official college dropout and home with me…we tell Chelsey she’s paying child support. I don’t mind... he’s a lot of company to Ransom.

Here’s my Cottage Garden quilt. The binding is partially own. Yesterday I dove into the scallops. It’s my first attempt. No fancy rulers (but they are definitely on my Christmas list), I used freezer paper and A pie plate to set up the alignment. The scallops on just two inches deep, next time I think I’ll make them deeper. For my first attempt—I rate myself at a B+. Never a risk taker – to cut on a completed quilt was definitely a “grown up” moment for me.

My husband lost his job. There I said it. I am laid off a week at a time—on my second week. Not easy to talk about. I don’t think I’m special – why shouldn’t bad things happen to me? It just doesn’t make it any less hurtful. I try to not make it personal… but when it is happening to you it’s INCREDIBLY personal. I tell myself the appropriate things:

All things happen for a reason.
Nobody died – no one is even sick
I have food, a roof over my head, and even quilt junk(short of batting) to last until 2020.
We’re planners and list makers…My kids will never skip a college beat.

But it really hurts.

Life goes on. My garden is full of ghourds. The echinea and Black-eyed Susans are beautiful this year as we haven’t had the heat to burn any of them.






Thanks for all of the emails checking on me. Hopefully, you’ll have another post tomorrow. I’m taking it a day at a time.

36 comments:

Joanne said...

Hugs and Prayers. Hopefully, this will be a very short-term thing. My best advice: take advantage of the down time to do some things you've been putting off -- I'm always amazed how time flies and I never get around to doing something when I actually have some time free. Take care.

Shelina (formerly known as Shasta) said...

I am so sorry about you and your husband's work situation. I think the hardest thing is the unknown - just not knowing when you will find that next job, etc. Hang in there! Both of you have the skills to turn this around, and the economy is supposedly recovering. Use the free time to enjoy yourselves and each other, make a quilt or two.

Julie said...

Love your quilt, and I give you an A---it looks beautiful!!

Wishing you the best as you face your challenges and trials. I hope you will quickly be blessed with new opportunites and possibilities. Julie

Unknown said...

Your quilt top is gorgeous Melanie, and how brave of you to chop into it. Good for you thinking of a way to make it work without the ruler/template. I'm so sorry to hear about the work situation in your house at the moment. Just remember that God has a wonderful plan for you both, to give you hope!!! He never leaves us and never gives us more than we can carry.

Carol said...

Oh Mel...I am so sorry about the jobs...embrace the time that you all have to spend together.
Bruno is so darn cute...enjoy him! You all take good care. Sending lots and lots of good thoughts!

Rhonda said...

Love your quilt. It isn't easy to cut into them after all the work we do on them. Congrats.....it looks professional.
Sorry to hear about you and your hubby. It makes me sad to hear about job loss. I understand how you feel. It's hard to think about. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your hubby.
Rhonda

sewprimitive karen said...

Very sorry to hear about the job losses. How do you mean you are laid off a week at a time...does it mean you could go back any time but you have no idea when or if? As the others say, make the most of the free time but I hope things get better very quickly.

Karen said...

I am so sorry about your husband's job. Praying he finds something quickly.

On a happier note, I think your scalloped border is perfect. And Bruno is adorable.

Blessings to you all.

QuiltNut Creations said...

so sorry about your work situations

your quilt is beautiful. great idea to use a pie plate for the scallops

Loris said...

Keeping you in my prayers. Your gracious, thankful spirit is uplifting.

Carolyn said...

Hopeful prayers are going out for you and your hubby. I admire your attitude and your strength, that will carry you through. Busy hands will make the time go more quickly...your quilt is beautiful!

Darlene said...

Needed to pop in and leave a ((HUG)). Another speed bump in the journey we call Life. Sigh!

Ila K. said...

The scallops are beautiful!

Prayers to you and yours on the home front. I have enough batting hoarded to share if you'd like. A long distance fluffy {{hug}}

Libby said...

Oh it's hard not to take the job situation personal . . . . but at the end of the day it really isn't. Fill your days with the garden and quilts - all the things you long to do when you are tied to your desk.

p.s. those scallops look good. Glad you decided to dive in and give them a try!

Anonymous said...

Bruno is adorable... if you ever need a puppy sitter ;o) Your quilt is lovely. The colors are so perfect together and I think your scallops look great!

Mel.... I am sorry about the hard times. Hugs and prayers for you and your family.

Stina Blomgren said...

Oh..Melanie.. so sorry to hear about the working situation... I hope everything will solve for the both of you soon!!! I´ll keep my fingers crossed for you!!!
ANd I love your scalloped border.. brave woman!!!!
I havent tried yet... but after seeing yours.. I definetly need to try!!!! Looks fantastic!!! And glad to see a post from you!!! :o)

Mary @ Neat and Tidy said...

Very nice post all things considered. You're still at the top of my prayer list; email me when you get a chance to gab.

The quilt is beautiful. I did a scallop binding once and swore I'd never do it again!!!

simplestitches said...

hi, sorry to hear about your situation...keep taking it one day at a time...hope that it is short lived.
Love your quilt, very brave of you to try scallops....looks amazing!
Cute puppy...
take care
Julz

Juliann said...

Oh my, this is the second person today that I know who has been laid off. Prayers are coming your way.

Karen said...

Glad to see that you are still going. Your new quilt is soft looking and very pretty. I have made scallops using a plate also but there are some good tools on the market if you plan on making enough quilts with that type border to warrant the cost.
Sorry to hear about the jobs. It is happening to too many people. I can understand your frustration with the situation.

Pat said...

Yor quilt is lovely Mel. Good thoughts and hugs headed your way.

Peg - Happy In Quilting said...

Melanie....I am sorry to read about your work situations...but I do believe one door closes but another opens, I am sure there are great things waiting for you just arround the corner...I love you quilt.

Kim said...

Oh, bummer! My husband lost his job last February but he really needed to stop working and go on disability anyway--he has muscular dystrophy. So far, my job had been steady and we've gotten on just fine. It will work out one way or another--just hang in there! On the other hand, I'm encouraged by your scallops--that's what I'm procrastinating on. I DO have a fancy ruler and book but I haven't read it yet. Guess I'd better go do that--if you have the courage to cut into a quilt, then I guess I do too!

Unknown said...

Oh Mel - been there got the teeshirt three times in three years but it doesn't hurt any less each time it happens - thinking of you both and sending hugs across the pond - you have each other and two great kids - something will work itself out, believe me :o) (((hugs)))

Unknown said...

PS who needs posh rulers when they have a pie plate and a good eye - I've always wanted to do a scallopped edged quilt but never had the courage to make the cut!

Tazzie said...

Ohhh Mel hon, I'm so sorry that you're experiencing such hard times right now. I really hope that things will pick up for you soon.
*hugs*
Tazzie
:-)

wendy p said...

Your quilt looks wonderful. I am so sorry to hear about your husband being laid off and you also. Things happen for a reason we might not know why at this particular moment in time. You have to put your faith in God. Hang in there and I will remember you in my prayers.

Wendy

Shakerwood said...

Hugs and Prayers coming your way from South Carolina. Keep yourselves busy....teach Hubby to quilt!

Quilterbee said...

Adding prayers.

Your quilt is beautiful. I'm scared of scallops but maybe one day I will get the courage to make a quilt with scallops too. The one I'm thinking of the scallops are appliqued onto the border.

Quilterbee

The Retired One said...

It appears the economy is slowly, slowly turning itself around...so hopefully he will find another job soon....prayers are with you.

Angela said...

I am so sorry. Glad you are planners and list makers!

Vicki said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Chookyblue...... said...

such bad news on the job front........good luck looking for new ones.........

you quilt is beautiful though and the border looks great.......

Unknown said...

Hey losing a job is a loss. Grieve it as you will. Nothing said makes it easier. Sending you hugs and positive thoughts.

kcenya1950 said...

I am sorry to hear about the job situation. Happened to mine last November and still nothing in sight, but we are all in this together and at some point things will turn around. Hang in there!

Jeanne said...

I'm way behind, Melanie ...
sending a belated hug for this discouraging development. Tony went through three layoffs. The last one was partly why we decided to go for retirement. You're in my thoughts.
Jeanne