I've Got the Power!

After weeks of futzing with our computer and Internet connection, the problem has been resolved…with a new power cord. 

And, yes, the irony of wasting so much time trying to fix something that wastes so much time, is not lost on me!

I double checked the spelling of “futz” in the dictionary and had a good laugh at the example it gave for usage: "spends hours futzing with that computer."

An Envelope of Autumn

Home in New Hampshire, William Glackens, c. 1919

Under Construction

Most of you know I spend a lot of time on my computer… a really lot… okay, all day… every day! It’s permanently perched on my lap, with a minimum of four or five tabs open at all times. The Internet is a godsend for someone with MS. It helps pass the time and connects me to the “outside world.” 

So, imagine my angst, that our Internet service is on the fritz. For several weeks, we’ve been getting sporadic signals that waver between excellent and nonexistent.

Naturally, I’m impatient and blow things out of proportion. To my computer programmer husband: “Can you fix it? Can you fix it NOW? What do you mean, you don’t know what’s wrong!” To the Geek Squad: “Can you fix it? Can you fix it NOW? What do you mean it costs $300 just to get started!”

I’m an Internet junky, in need of a fix. Why not just put that $300 toward a new computer and be done with it? Meanwhile, Netzero is sending us a new power cord, speculating that the intermittent service is due to a loose connection.

At any rate, when I’m finally able to post this rant, it will be to tell you that my absence has been due to a technological glitch and not worsening health. I’ve missed you, and look forward to "reconnecting" soon.

Recycled Clothing Quilt-Along

I asked a friend to photograph each of my denim and flannel quilt blocks so I could continue playing with virtual layouts on the computer. The cutting and pasting from one program to another might be tedious for some, but as libbyquilter commented, “It’s much better than having to get down on the floor and arrange multiple times!”

The layout I ended up liking best was what several of you preferred ~ the Straight Furrows set. Its diagonal pattern is not diminished by the scrappiness of the blocks. The effect is strong and masculine, which is just the feeling I was going for (picture the Brawny paper towel guy sleeping under this quilt). The final arrangement of blocks will differ from the photo above as I add new blocks to the mix, but it gives you an idea of where I'm headed.

Visit the Recycled Clothing Quilt-Along to see what others are making from reclaimed garments.

Roman Stripe Blocks

I had several of these Roman Stripe blocks already made when I read about the Recycled Clothing Quilt-Along. Like so many other projects, this one was set aside when MS began interfering with my quilt making. Truth be told, this is the first machine sewing I've done in a couple years. And while I feel like I'm all thumbs, the work itself is very forgiving.


The fabrics for this quilt have come from my family's old or outgrown clothing. The denim is cut into 8" squares. It serves as the background fabric for the block, and also the foundation on which the strips are sewn. I cut flannel strips into three different widths: 3”, 2 ½”, and 2”, but they could just as easily be cut into random widths or all the same size.

Instructions for making this block can be found here. It's a simple sew and flip method, with little or no pinning required.


My son's have given me sideways glances as they come to breakfast in flannel boxers and pajama bottoms. I've been warned not to get too close with a scissor!

Get Cutting

Back in June, Anita at Bloomin’ Workshop described a summer quilt-along that caught my interest. She, and others, have been collecting clothing to make quilts. Everything from thrifted men's dress shirts to outgrown children's clothing is being reused, repurposed and recycled. Why not grab a stack of tee shirts and join the Reclaimed Clothing crusade?

I've been saving old blue jeans for years with the intention of making a quilt. My husband and sons have kept me in constant supply. The only problem is getting them to stop wearing the jeans while the fabric is still functional. Many's the pair that was just too holey and threadbare to be of use.

Denim and flannel are a natural combination, so as collars and elbows wear out of my family’s shirts, I've claimed them as well. A nice assortment of colorful plaids are ready to join the denim in their next incarnation - a quilt.

Pioneer Nine Patch

If I had known a new camera would lead to photos like these, I would have given one to our son William a lot sooner!


Chech out the great pictures he took without even leaving our neighborhood.

William found a clever backdrop at a nearby cornfield. 

I'll settle for shadows if he's willing to climb trees to get the shot!

Direct sunlight won't bother me so long as the full quilt is in frame. 

I made this Nine Patch in the early 1990's from 9" blocks, swapped with friends. The Streak of Lightening border adds extra interest.

I'll probably drive Will crazy with my requests for photos these next few weeks, but he knows how much I appreciate his efforts. I'm sure gonna miss him when he heads off to college!