The Quilt: Home in Midwest

 {selfie}

When you scroll your way down, were you thinking what I am thinking? I hope you do! It is a quilt that is so painful to make! By painful, I mean a good one; I ripped all the pieces apart when I was 1/3 way through the piecing then re-pieced, trimmed every squares, matched most of the seams, but still have a few oops! Quilted it on my little Patchwork Edition Bernina and kept thinking when this is going to end?! {as my right hand wrist was bothering me for a few weeks by then}. But after all these steps, I must tell you that this quilt has all my loves for almost 20 years living in Midwest, friendships that made and much much more!

It possible was from this {post} I wrote back in 2011 when we just moved to North Dakota. We had no friends, no connections to anyone locally, and everything started from scratch for us again! We were quiet brave then!  It was scary and lonesome! I was more active in writing and more expressive about what I was that time! That first winter in N.D. was terrible hard and extremely long and not to mention fridge cold weather! We experienced what it felt like 40 below with the negative 40 windchill and we also encountered so many unexpected events! Oh, it seemed never ended at time and I never though I made it through my three-year master program study!

After a week or two posting, I've got an unfamiliar addressed package in our little metal mail box! The first thing, S said, did you buy more fabrics? I did't think I did! So, who's address is this? Do I know this address? Did I order any fabric, maybe? I opened the package and found a beautiful layer cake fabric and with a very kind note from Monica aka {mountainofthedragon}. Monica was the very first few Etsy stores that I purchased fabrics from when I just discovered online fabric shops. I actually had no idea that she was reading the blog! Within the note, Monica wrote she was feeling sad that I was being homesick and feeling sad. She wanted to cheer me up, so sent me a care package!  Then there were many just because care packages came to us! From time to time, I still ask; why me?

I reread that note so many times and treasure the package for years. It moved with me to many places and was waiting for a right quilt pattern for it and really just waited the time to come! That took me four years to turn it into a quilt that I believe will sit in my heart for years to come! Not just the kindness friendship that Monica extended to me, but also the heartfelt feeling that till this day I still hold on tightly; Generosity!

Last year, when we moved in our new home, I have had the plan to make a quilt as a housewarming quilt to ourselves! However, with what I was going through it was impossible to even think about sewing and great things around us. I think it is just kinda that way sometimes! It is hard to remind myself the cheerleaders out there for me and hard to tell myself it will get better?! There are quiet a bit of struggles and it took long time to sort it out!

This quilt is not my designed quilt pattern, it is fully inspired by a Japanese magazine that I subscribed last year. As reading through the magazine, the pattern for making the house quilt came and soon I knew it would be perfect to use Retro pop layer cake as the starter quilt colors. I plan this quilt  will be a family quilt, so BIG is the idea of the quilt size. The quilt math for the quilt top took a bit longer, cutting the layer up was scary, adding more prints to the quilt top pile was alike shopping through the stash once more time.

Somehow I stopped again...

It took another month or longer to restart working on this quilt. All the sewing seams were ripped off because I wasn't satisfied how it turn.  This involved trimming job ahead, pressing seams open in proper way. Yet, I wasn't in a hurry at all; no time framing for completing this quilt, but truly enjoy he making process!

The repeating of stop and start making this quilt was over a year. Sometimes, I made a few blocks a day and sometimes was hard to push forward to make another sewing day count. The week before we took off for the summer family visit, I was quiet ready to finish it! The entire week, I was absorbed with thread, fabric, and sewing! Maybe a bit time space out for self!  I was sewing most part of the day and it felt really great and accomplished!

The finished quilt top was waiting for the backing.  It took another few months because I was hoping to give it a name and the name would be still my heart for time to come. {Home in Midwest} somehow pops in my head and I think it is quiet perfect for it! It is labelled in 2014 because I wanted to remember the year we first have a real place to called Home! After almost 20 years in the states and moved to many places. I have sat my heart in the Midwest and that also included friendships extended to us here at quarter inch mark.

I never have though I'd make any friends from this blog and never though this place gets any people to follow up! It started out with a though of a place that I can record part of our life adventure and my works. I know eventually it will come to an end as we all move on in different directions and life goes on and on!

This blog allows me to met so many wonderful people! They are in my heart even though I haven't get the chance to meet them in real part of life.  Since we moved quiet often, it is harder to keep in touch with friends that met in the city/town we lived. I've always feel like a passenger passing from places to places and from town to town; never have a ground that could hold on tight to. But I thankful that can bring quarter inch mark with me whenever and where ever I go on {smile}!

When I was much younger, I always wondered about how our life would take us to. I always tried really hard to adopted and fitted in all things around us and tried to be very energetic about every little events, but it was hard, unreal and unhappy! After years to come and all, I discovered being the most authentic self is the honest way to live and be.

It is really hard to say {Thank You} in the way that I would like it "sounded" here! But {Thank You} for all your unconditional loves of friendships, readerships and endless coming back! I do read all your comments with a big {smile} on and reply in my head {So sweet of you} { Wow! You think the same!} { These emojis are so cute!} { How far do you live?} {This is kind!} {Why?} and much more. I hope you do and know that you are not just encouraging, but meaningful!


xxc

p.s. The package has finally arrived! 

between times...

This time of the year is particular quiet for us! The icy-rain made extra cool and home is the a cozy and fussy place to be. All the photos are gloomy-ish and no sunny lights for days! Our mama and baby trees are up over the weekending! I always and have been thinking to make a tree skirt, but it hasn't been happening for last 10 years, so let's say! It is alright to just use a cloth and be random!

I learned a new term in baking; sweet milk= whole milk. Likely it happens in old recipes; back then people distinguish it from buttermilk by adding sweet to the milk. The pound cake turned out really delicious! We can't stop eating it; one thin slice after another thinner slice then after another possible a bite slice. So, it only took us a half day to devour the half cake! I had extra cup of coffee each day and bed time was past mid-night! oh dear..

The bread turned out soft this time and last time was a bit dry if you ask me! I added sesame seeds on some of them and they are mostly gone by now as we shared half of the little rolls with our friends. Oh, yes they are "rolls", but a oops action during the slicing dough part. I guess they look a bit like steam buns {smile}. It is so much nicer to make our bread again! I, thankful to a trustworthy oven now!

We accompanied a small roasted chicken {5 pound}; some salt, fresh ground black pepper then give it a nice rub; bake in 450 degree for 45 mins., some meshed potatoes, sweet corn { is this mid-western thing?},  and broccoli salad. Oh, no casseroles and stuffing dishes around here! I am not very good and just don't know what or which to make. The pie didn't make it to the table this time, as my right wrist hand still bothers me. I think we'll save it for the later year.

After dinner, I deboned all the chicken and put them in the big pot added a whole onion head with skin {wash/ sliced in half}, few celery sticks, a big carrot, cut into chunks {with skin/wash} then simmer it for a good 4 hours; at the mid-point I always make sure it boil to the high then turn it down again. This is the best chicken broth that I could get; homemade! I always let the broth cool off before put them in the clear containers then let them sat in the clear container over night on the kitchen counter, freeze them the next morning. I don't add more salt and pepper at all, since the deboned chicken has a bit of leftover flavoring.

While waiting for the broth simmering, I am up in the studio slowly hand-quilting my way through the hours here. There are not quite 30 sets of the needle books after I counted again. But these are turning out so nice! I made a few color sets that's different than what I usual do and it is quiet nice to see them being quilted. The extra texture highlight some of the prints.

I took some good holiday sales over the weekend. The very much needed bigger sweatshirts, snow boots, gloves for S. It is getting harder to find clothes for her as she is between the big girl, L and the lady, s.  I went ahead and ordered the lady M for her. I jumped one size ahead as I think she will be like growing grass over this winter; grow another few inches in no time! I still very much not like shopping for clothing! Sometimes, it is headache for me!

For me, I ordered this {print} for the dress that's on the book cover. These cotton chambray dobbies prints are very soft and so pretty in person as I have touched and seen them this summer. Then few Kona solid prints were check out as well! I am quiet excited about all the basic prints this time. That's all for me! I wasn't feeling greedy or ambitious getting all the prints that I have in my notebook as I think I was try to downsize what I have {giggle}!

My mind is pretty full lately with the quilt that I want to share with you soon and the story that I want to share and more! Everything is full in my head and heart! I still am working on that writing! Someday, I have wished I am a good writer, especially these days!

xxc

Winter 2015 Edition

//Welcome to Winter 2015 Edition//

With this winter edition each patchwork pouch added on a sweet zipper charm. 

It really gives each patchwork piece a more unique and sweet look. 

Come join me with the reviews 

//patchwork jojo pouch// 

This is such a roomy pouch that gives so much space inside. The darts sewing at the bottom of the pouch provide the pouch extra width and great for items such as sewing tools, pens, even a pair of medium size scissors.  To make it zakka style look I have simply added 100% linen at the bottom to give extra gentle look! 

**Also always, I have loved and enjoyed play the front the back of each pouch. This pouch is such a cheerful one! Some of the prints are hard to find and no more in my own stash! It is always pleasure to let each print shines on its own! 

**Not to mention the little zipper charm pull! They are quiet one of a kind to be honest! I love this tea pot and it is quiet solid to hold on! The zipper charm is made out from the brass material and imported. 

{patchwork jojo- city girls} 

Do you know sometimes, sewing can be also telling a bit of stories? I think you probably have find that a lot around here! As I found these cute mousey prints, that county and city mouse story pop in my head right away!  I think if I were the author, I'd rewrite that story! With a twist... um something more like they go shopping in the fabric store then the fabric owner has a lovely kitty... 

** I couldn't help to add this kitty zipper charm to the pouch! I though it was a perfect one to go with! This pouch is made up mostly linen and linen/cotton blended prints! Very zakka style look and less contrast in colors. It is almost organic look and simplify the pouch outlook! 

 {Miss Pink}

Pink, red, white, cream, floral. It always remind of some sweet people. Indeed, these colors are pastel in person! Adding a bit of linen gives some extra hand texture to it! I though of adding the little cherry charm to the zipper, but it seems like the magic key to the pouch is more ideal!

 {Miss A}

A pouch that to take during the trip? I do that for us! Each of us gets a pouch that holds the passport, pens, little things, likely little cash for S in case we lost each other!

** During our summer trip, I have found these sweet retro look daisy prints. They are the kind of fabric that love in first sight.  Although it is winter at this moment, but so much about this pouch that comes with lots good summer days, so adding this cute charm house is quiet perfect!

 {Miss Grace}

A bit patchwork and a bit zakka style linen! I am giving this pouch a newish outlook! It definitely is a less contrast and lesson vibrate in colors. Quiet a simple approach; sweet and elegant! 

 ** Lining prints are so important as the outer pouch! As a maker, I always spend time to go through my stash and find the right print for it! It is nice to have the pouch corresponded inside out all together!

 {Miss M} 

A pair of good scissors is important to all the sewers, patchworks, quilter, crafters! Not sure how about you, but the good scissors around here gets hand written  **// for fabric only//. I really love how this tiny brass scissors gets to be add up with pouch. This pouch has included some vibrate, fresh, and some retro prints! 

 {Miss H}

This pouch has added a bit of solid prints to gives a bit unique patchwork look. I enjoy the contrast sewing between prints and solid. This pouch also uses more geometrical shapes prints than the other. it might be a coincident as the patchwork making.  Little Sue charm pull is perfect! I love all the Sue and Billy stories! Have you read one? 

 {Miss Z}

A fruity patchwork piece pouch for a little cherry charm pull.  There's quiet a bit of fruity prints use in this pouch. Corresponded with gingham prints on the other side of the pouch and some light floral prints on this side. 

{Miss Jonna}

Last, but not least! Miss Jonna pouch used lots contrast prints; big scale/small scale, dark/light, cool/warm prints. When the patchwork pieces put together, it reminded me the music piece called Jonna, the cat! It is the very first two pages piano piece S played when she was littler.  This pouch is playful in the colors and was patched with some really small pieces like 0.75"x0.5". 

///Thank you so much/// for join me with the {winter 2015 edition} review! This is the hardest part of the step; self-promotion!  All the pouches are ready and listed in the {shop} this morning. You can find link below each photo.

** The patchwork pouch will be carefully wrapped in a non-toxic glassine paper bag that I sewn up to fit each pouch! If you like it to send as a gift, you can simple let me know in the buyer to seller comment box and let me know where you like to send me.

** To make one of your own {patchwork jojo pouch}? The pattern comes with three sizes {L.M.S} 

The pattern shows step by step how to make the pouch with clear photos from patchwork ideas

sewing darts, place zippers, assemble the pouch. 

** Be sure to check into the announcement in the {shop}. There's one-time limited offer on Small Business Saturday11/28 7a.m. central-time.  

// Thank you// once again for reading this long post! 

xxc 

  

Beginning of this winter

Indeed this was my first  cup of coffee in three days and it happened at 3p.m. this Monday afternoon. What am I thinking? I am so craving this bitter and warm drink. It keeps me quite awake sometimes. Last week, my left hand was pretty soapy and I happened grabbed the French Press glass with it; OOPS! That was the only word I said! then this were what S said, What did you do? why you did that? I was quiet sorry that I broke the glass because I think I said the similar sentences to S in the past! What did you do? why you did that? Yeah, these repeats in the family, I think?!

The first snow arrived last Friday late afternoon! Everyone is so ready for this, including me! It felt something was missing looking out from the studio window as all the autumn leaves are mostly gone by now. My across street new neighbor hung up a big smiley snowman in front of the door. I think I might need to find something sweet to do this year, or maybe I will pass again.

This mid-morning, I headed my way out to the lake alone without my little chatter box. She was probably in her PE class at that time. I took my trustworthy camera, a tripod, and the semi-mystery quilt with me and went in this still quiet chilly morning. However, the weather outlook is so beautiful to make it a photo day as I put on my coat, hat, scarf, and mittens.

After arrived the lake, I walked a good distance to find the right spot for the quilt. One thing that I didn't prepare well was didn't put on my snow boots. Oh, the feet were quite wet and cold as I walked in the grass that covered with the snow.  brrrr....

The quilt got so  wet and dirty now! After came home I put it in the washer and ready for the second wash. This is actually one of my favorite part to do with the quilts; wash them, dry them, and use them; repeats! I have been thinking about this quilt and thinking what would be a best way to write up the post. It is a quiet heartfelt story to begin with and sometimes, I wondered!

This past weekend, our friends moved away. They left a house plant for us to take care! It seems very familiar for what I have been done in the past when we moved away. I sent all our house plants to friends who we believed love all the greens and are great green thumbs! Now, I hope they live through this winter! Once a week watering, that's what Sue said!

Then coming home with the heavy plant and lots in mind, sad actually! I stay up in the studio for a few hours; putting some thoughts down and some little notes to self. My hands were busy again, but quiet slow this time! My right hand wrist has been hurting me quiet awhile now. I am still stubborn not making appointment to the doctor and hope it will recover soon. Maybe another week or two?? I am still going strong about going with cold/hot pad during the day. It is so hard to avoid using my right hand then this made me wish I am a ambidextrous person (smile)! I plan on take it easy from all lifting and possible limit cooking for next few days! I hope it recovers like magic sometimes, I do!

I'll have more needle-books and pin-cushions for you in next couple of weeks! This will be the last batch I am making and listing them in the {shop}! There are around 30 sets or less. I intend to keep one for myself as I need one more book to keep all the new needles that I inquired lately.  I love making these little books, hand-quilting them throughout the piece, carefully putting hardwares on them and seeing them going to someone loves and supports my works {Thank you}. However, it seems it is time for me to move on! Soon, I will be no longer selling my hand-quiltling items. It will be pop-up event in the future or by made to order only. If you see something that you love, crab them before they gone; no more repeats!

Tomorrow, all new scrappy zakka style zippered pouches will be listed in the shop. I will post a shop announcement post for that. I have four set of needle-book just finished last week, one set is made from Library London fabric and it is probably the most soft set to quilt through.

Almost dinner time for us! I'll be digging in this blog to find the original post for the quilt. Hope'll find it tonight!

Stay warm if you get some snow!
Stay cool if you get some heatwave!


xxc