Thursday, July 23, 2009

Good News!

There is good news for our family today! Mom had a scan on Monday showing that chemo is shrinking her tumors and lymph nodes. Isn't that the best news? Mom is a champion at having a positive attitude, and she's extremely encouraged by the new info. I'm pretty certain that she has a record number of prayers/chants/good thoughts from all over the world working for her, so thank you again to all of you who are helping. We could never express how grateful we are for your kindness. My only request is that you keep Mom (Estelle) on your list and continue to do whatever you're doing. Relief is a great feeling. I'm heading over to hang out and stitch for a while during her chemo today.

OK, on to regular stuff. Here's my TUSAL jar for the month, pictured with some friends. You'll notice that I've moved up to a quart-sized jar. I have a feeling that it's the stitchy trash, not orts, that made the move necessary. Do we care about that? Nah.


I've been a busy, busy organizer. Slow, but busy. After my closet got a makeover, I started working on my stash. I've sorted through all of my fabric, identified counts, and put everything into new Elfa drawers (gasp). I know! New drawers in my closet! The Container Store is a lovely place. Sorry ... I've ADD'd my way off the subject. There are now special places for kitted projects (way more than I thought) and WIPs (yes, I found more :O).

I had forgotten about many UFOs that I have absolutely no intention of finishing. You know how that is, right? My tastes and desires have changed in the decades since they were started. So, I hope I'm not veering off into the tacky side of blogland, but I don't know all of the rules. Would anyone like to finish the following UFOs?

First up is Window Sill Shells. My start is on 32-count white linen, two-over-two, and includes chart and start.
Next is a project that someone else started and gave to me, thinking I'd be thrilled to finish it. No, I'm not. It's on linen band and includes floss, beads, dowel for hanging, and instructions.


Last on today's list is a log cabin quilt square with specialty stitches. It could be framed or made into a pillow, and it's almost finished. Most of the diamond shapes on the right need to be unstitched and restitched, and that's the border to the project. Only the border has to be stitched. I think it's on 28-count natural linen, and it comes with floss, directions, chart and start.
If you're interested in any of these UFOs, just leave a comment about which one you'd like to have. If more than one person is interested, I'll draw names in a very unscientific way. If no one is interested, they'll go off into the UFO cosmos ... or something.

Since I haven't finished going through my cedar chest and files (I know ... I've been a hog and this is years overdue), there will be some more destashing to come. I've promised a friend first chance at kits and charts, but she'll want only a fraction of what's leaving the premises. So stay tuned for some stash giveaways.

When not reorganizing, I've been stitching away on my new starts, Shores and Mayflower Women. Next time I'll show you what I've been up to. Believe it or not, there are only three weeks left of summer vacation for me (oh no!), which makes me almost apoplectic. Ya'll know what a brat I am about time off. I've had Zack as a houseguest, because his person has been working nights (poor man ... it's done him in). He's been helping me get my miles walked and my errands done. Merlin (yes, the old man cat is still hanging in there) is not amused, but we've had only one confrontation all week.

'Til next time ... make some fun.

21 comments:

Branlaadee said...

Congrats on the good news about your mother. :)

I just came by to check out your TUSAL jar. It's looking great! And I think it's great you are passing on your UFO's to someone who may love them.

Kate said...

So glad your mom is doing better. I have been where you are and know the ups and downs. I would love to give one of your ufo's a home. The band sampler is just my thing. Prayers are still being said and will continue.

valerie said...

Congrats on the good news! Love how your TUSAL jar is looking...mine looks empty in comparison!

Be sure to make the next 3 weeks count! Enjoy the rest of your vacation.

staci said...

That is WONDERFUL news about your mom! She sure sounds like a trooper.

When you're done cleaning and reorganizing at your house, wanna mosey on over to mine??? LOL ;)

Coni said...

Oh, what happy happy news! Prayers and good thoughts are still winging your way, Estelle, so keep up the good work!

I don't think it tacky at all to offer up stitchy stashy stuff.

Most of it is kind of like a pet, no? And God forbid we just open the door and shove him out there in the cold dark night and let the little b.... survive on his own for peeing on the drapes and making my life a living...

Sorry, I regress. (Somebody has been a pill today.) (And that somebody is named S-t-e-w-e-y.)

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri ~ Boog) said...

So glad to hear about your mom! I will continue to keep her in prayer.

Funny how our tastes change, isn't it. I wonder if I'll look back at what I'm doing now and hate it in 5-10 years? I think, though that what I like now is more classic and has already stood the test of time so I hope I'm okay. Even if my tastes do change, there are a few things I'll never, ever get rid of - ATS, Mary Allen.....

Good luck finding good homes for your old projects!

Margaret said...

That's so wonderful about your mother! I'll continue the prayers and good thoughts. I love this ort jar thing you all are doing. My orts are still in my little jar which I always empty at the end of the year. My son loves to cut through them periodically which makes them very compact! lol! As for the stash, sorry, I have plenty. lol! I can't believe your school duties are going to start soon! You all start school so early out in the midwest!

Missy Ann said...

Glad to hear the good news about your Mom. I hope it continues!

Deb said...

Such wonderful, wonderful news about your mother. I'll continue to pray for continuing improvements!

Wow, three more weeks, uh? Where the heck did summer go (although we never had one here - weather wise)? Enjoy every minute you have left.

And I love the stash thing - our tastes do change. I've got a pile of them that will be going, hopefully, to a new home too. Funny how our tastes change (or the designs improve).

Karen said...

Great progress on your SAL...love your container!

Ellen said...

So glad to hear that your mum is doing better. Will continue to send positive thoughts your way. Looking forward to seeing what you have been hogging!

Hugs,

Melissa said...

That's wonderful to hear of your mom's news!

Siobhán said...

Woohoo!! I am sooooo glad to hear the good news. Your mom remains in my prayers. We Estelles (my middle name) need to stick together.

I can't wait to see your progress on Shores & Mayflower!

Good for you on the great clean out of '09. I hope you get some takers of your UFOs. I filed most of mine in the circular file... I don't even feel bad about it. This is a much better, more humane way. ;)

JOLENE said...

That is great news, I am so happy for your Mom and you. Relief is a blessing. I wish I could take/make the time for me to tidy up my "craft" room.....maybe someday! lol

omashee aka Barb said...

Wonderful news about your mom! Will keep her in my prayers.
I'd be very interested in finishing your Log Cabin Quilt Square. As a quilter I am so into quilt squares right now.
Barb
omashee@msn.com

Erica said...

ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC NEWS!
I will keep your mom in my thoughts (and you too)! These things always affect the whole family.

Von said...

Such good news to share! I'm so happy for your mom, you and all the family that the treatments are producing the results needed!! Continued prayers and good thoughts for your mom as chemo continues.

Jennifer Ann Fox said...

I hope your mom gets better and better until in remission!
I wish you could give me some of youro energy to organize your stash!
Mine is still strown from kitchen to living room to dining room to bedroom! Even some in my basement.
I have some really old, old, WIPs that I would be embarrassed to say how long ago I started them.
Hope you enjoy your 3 more weeks left of summer!
Jennifer Dalenberg

http://www.feathersinthenest.blogspot.com

Brigitte said...

It's so great to read the good news about your mother. What a relief this must be for the whole family.
I don't have many real UFOs, actually it's just one that I don't want to finish and one day I'll give it away, just not now. But your UFO give-away is a great idea.

Deb said...

Thank God your mom has had this wonderful news and is feeling better. I'm praying she'll get stronger and better as the weeks go by. Saying a prayer for her and you right now.
On another note, what a great way to pass your UFO's on!! That's so thoughtful of you. You could start a new trend here! Good for you!
Hugs, Deb

Sharon said...

What wonderful news about your mother, that is just fantastic. Love your TUSAL jar, I had to go read about it, I just might join in. Cute idea. Would love to go to that container store too I have heard so much about it. Take pics of your WIP's. xoxo