{The view up their street! For this New Englander, this is epic!}
I'm in Colorado and hence, on Mountain Time not to mention out-of-my-routine time! I'm here to be with Suki and her family for the birth of her new little one, their fifth, Maria Isidora Rose!
She is 7lbs 13 oz which is tiny for this family! She's doing so well and so is Suki.
The baby was late (par for the course!) so I changed my flight and had time to finish up the wedding quilt for Suki and John. If you've been following along, you know that I put on the afterburners starting this winter, and yet was not done by the time we boarded for our flight. I told my husband that we were packing it up and I was finishing it here, and if I didn't, we would just pack it back up and take it home! Since I did have to stay longer, I didn't have to do that. I finished.
Yes! 12 years later, it's done! To be fair to me, I just started it maybe last year? I win the award though — you know, the award for slowest quilter!
I have documented this process a bit along the way, sharing with you my annoyance at my own inability to settle on fabrics, patch, design, or really anything. I settled on “Flying Geese” with sashing, but it was all very much a matter of putting it together as I went along, instead of starting out with a good plan.
However, in the end, it “came together on the plate” as they say on Top Chef, and is, in fact, very Suki! (And yes, we spell her nickname both ways all the time! Her name is Suzanne.)
When she was planning her wedding, she wanted it colorful — You can read about the reception here and see how we decorated the barn (Rosie's in-laws' barn — fortunately they are among our very best friends!). A big part of the style was the multi-colored napkins, a lot of which I incorporated into this quilt.
Not all, because some of the actual fabrics I used were not good enough quality (good enough for the purpose, but wouldn't have stood up in a quilt). And I ended up buying other fabrics to round things out.
Since I'm here, I thought I'd show you a couple of other quilts that I made in the past. I am trying to make each of my grandchildren a quilt — I'm a bit behind of course, being outpaced by the births; some come at more opportune times for me, so those families have more. For these guys, I've made one so far but have taken notes from the other kids as to what they would want. Mostly animals!
This one is a simple “Log Cabin” quilt — a patch I really love. I made it about 5 years ago I think.
My OCD makes me twitchy with myself, because I do love things scrappy but I also overthink how they go together.
I quilted this one with “Baptist Fans” — the wedding quilt is just outlines of the patches. For both, I used DMC Pearl cotton floss. My hands are getting too arthritic to do proper quilting with tiny stitches.
I think little fingers have been pulling threads, but that's okay.
And long ago, when Suki went off on her own after college, I made her this whole-cloth little throw because I loved the fabric so much.
The backing was from my stash and I machine quilted it quickly — the idea was just a quick throw to remind her that we loved her!
It's cute that she still uses it — it's quite faded now.
If you feel like you're too busy to do too much crafting, that's a satisfying project — two nice pieces of fabric, sewn together. Doesn't get much easier than that.
bits & pieces
- In the comments on last week's post, Mrs. Bee directed us to this article about chimney closets. I know about Irish “airing cupboards” built in or near the furnace to counteract the effects of the damp on sheets and so on. The cupboard I was posting about there is truly, it must be admitted, not of a very useful size. And of course in most of three seasons, the wood stove is not in use, so it's not particularly warm. But in winter it is. I will ponder it!
- I'm sure you've read or watched Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker's speech. (If not, please do! it's remarkable how people have misrepresented his words, and actually, as I tweeted, equally remarkable that they have withstood this intense scrutiny.) I really appreciated this spirited commentary.
- David Clayton and I wrote about the importance of the number eight in the liturgy and thus, in sacred art — the transcendent meaning of this number and the necessity of representing it in our lives. I thought this article by a Benedictine Monk offered a wonderful perspective on the subject, as it relates to the feast and traditional observation of Pentecost and its octave.
from the archives
- Ask your children to do a little more — they can! The start of summer is a great time to revisit the chore list, let the bargaining begin (with older kids — can be fun!), and get some needed help out of them. What they can do, a list!
- I have gotten a rash of questions about homeschooling in the high school years, and I think I did write about this in The Summa Domestica. I have a podcast here about teen culture — you know, the question of their education is so close to the question of how they spend their time. Young children have to learn certain very specific things and all spend their time pretty much the same way. As they get older, they need time to develop their interests, interests that do determine what they will study. There are certain basic subjects but I would caution not imposing an intensive scholarly curriculum on every child (in the homeschool or in school). Very few children are cut out to be scholars or even go to college, yet all will have some area where they can develop their interests and productivity. I realize I haven't tackled the subject in the depth it needs…
liturgical living
St. Bede, the Venerable, St. Gregory VII, St. Mary Magdalene de'Pazzi, St. Madeline Sophie Barat, and Ember Saturday of the Summer, or Pentecost Embertide!
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Carol says
I have to apologize ahead of time for focusing on the one thing you probably don’t want me to… “My hands are getting too arthritic to do proper quilting with tiny stitches.” I hear you on that!! I don’t sew, but I am told I have arthritis in my hand and that it is very common in women of my age (not yet 60!!) and I am trying to figure out what do about it. I only went to the Dr. because I thought I had injured my hand—the pain wasn’t by any means debilitating. He offered a shot, and while it worked for awhile, I decided not to do it again—the idea, and what I think are side effects, don’t appeal to me. So, are there any time tested, good old fashioned helps for arthritis in the hands that you know of-aside from pain meds of course?
Mary Elizabeth says
I know the pain! I am not yet twenty, and I have aches and pains in my bones and joints. Sometimes it gets pretty bad. One time I threw up from the pain. We (my mom and I) have never gotten me diagnosed with anything, but we do call it arthritis. I use homeopathic remedies to ease the discomfort, and I also use ice packs. The latter works pretty well. Apparently, St. James is the patron of people with arthritis, so St. James pray for us all!!
Jeanne says
Continuing the rabbit hole for a minute… I have similar joint pain and am relatively young. For me it is not actually arthritis in the usual sense. A napro/functional medicine doctor helped me find a diagnosis of endometriosis which is usually accompanied by cyclical inflammation in the joints. I treat it with a low dose of a prescription anti-inflammatory drug and, more importantly with diet changes. I also use homeopathy. So a bit of everything.
Donna L. says
Hello Auntie Leila~ I would be delighted to read more about the High School years–and how to go about finding, encouraging and discussing ideas about areas of learning that may not need college to be the end result! We are graduating our fourth child this June, and have more to go–trade schools, apprenticeships and shipyard jobs have been the norms, so far, once their high school years are done. Now–I have younger children who do not seem called to these same careers and interests–Thank you in advance for that conversation!
May God bless Sukie and her growing family-along with you, Chief and all of your darlings!
Carol says
We are at this point- my youngest just graduated high school (homeschooled) and has no desire for college. For now she is planning her own studies at home ( music, art, history) and helping me to manage the home. She struggles to explain to friends and family what she is doing because the expectation is either college or work. There has to be a path for girls who don’t want a career or young men who don’t want to continue academics . I would love to hear more thoughts on this subject too!
Molly B. says
Oh Leila, congratulations to you and the Chief and of course, Sukie and her family. What a beautiful blessing! Maybe this means I am meandering toward the matriarch end of the maiden-mother-matriarch continuum – I cry every time I see newborn babies, or when a friend or neighbor mentions she’s pregnant. Your heart must be full!
And the love poured into those quilts – what a dear thing for your children and grandchildren. Like being wrapped in a hug when folding the quilt around oneself. I think congratulations are also in order for finishing such a colorful lovely gift!
What joy to hear such wonderful news and see such wonderful pictures, thank you for sharing!
Jessica Snell says
I love the quilting! You remind me of my mom, who has been, slowly over the years, crocheting an afghan for each of her grandchildren. She uses the softest, prettiest wool (mostly Malabrigo, I think). It’s so fun to see them each take shape! She can’t quite keep up with all the babies either, but each blanket gets made in its time!
Dixie says
Congratulations! Another beautiful granddaughter! Hurray!
I love the Baptist fan quilting you did — that’s very pretty. My hands have never really held up to hand quilting but machine quilting is such an intense, exciting, and terrifying adventure. I always feel like one of those ladies in cartoons who are sewing on a machine and the fabric goes flying and curling up all around them. Very fun.
I will be interested to listen to your podcast on teens! And would love more in-depth posts as they come. Your 12-year-old girl and boy (or is it 13 for the boy one?) have been read to pieces by yours truly over time. Our eldest will be in 8th grade this coming year and her academic needs are definitely changing. I’m trying to hang in there, but it is certainly just one more time in parenthood when I realize I need to up my game!
Dixie says
*12-year-old girl and boy posts
Ann says
Congratulations on your newest grandchild! Your quilts are lovely and I’m sure are treasured by your loved ones. I have a beautiful quilt that a dear older friend made for me when my children were babies and now that she has passed on, I treasure it all the more and think of her often when I see or use it and say a little prayer of thanksgiving for the gift of her friendship.
Carol says
Thank you also for the article about “the speech”. I have been so saddened by Professional Catholic Influencers who have felt the need to pick apart his speech—often preceded by “courageous” and “right to speak” etc—while their critiques amount to “I wouldn’t have said it that way” and “imprudent” and “I know what he really meant”. It was a beautiful testimony of the power of Tradition in the life of a young man!
And congratulations on the newly arrived grand-daughter! You are blessed indeed!
Sara says
Congratulations on beautiful Maria!
Annie says
You know, maybe a beautiful new wedding quilt is perfectly timed with the arrival of the fifth baby! Why lump it in with all those wedding gifts at the start? It is beautiful, as are the children! Congrats to Sukie. And I love seeing the older boys playing with their train tracks.
Leila says
Oh yes this was my strategy for sure LOL — spring the quilt on them when they least expect it, for maximum effect! Thanks for reminding me 😉
Thank you!
Jadeddrifter says
Congratulations on the newest baby in the family! And thanks for sharing all of your beautiful quilts. 🙂
Mrs. Bee says
Congratulations to John, Sukie, and all the big siblings! Babies are such joy… And speaking of joy, wow, that wedding quilt! It’s simply bursting with joyful color! The idea of incorporating some napkins was really clever, and every color and pattern seems to work so well – a really splendid job. The mother of one of our kids’ godmother made a Winnie the Pooh-inspired quilt for our child, a very sweet log cabin crib-size blanket that will be treasured forever by many generations. And since this child had to spend a few days in the NICU, one of the nurses there made a little square quilt for him, the size of a throw pillow – such a sweet and generous thought – quilters seem to be the best!
You know, I’m grateful for the “From the Archives” feature – the choices always deliver some nice surprises. I think I could apply the same idea to the Summa Domestica, and just open it randomly!
Jeanne says
Congratulations on your lovely granddaughter! What a joy it must be to you all to have such a growing extended family.
I really enjoyed the N.C. Wyeth article you shared the previous week. Thank you!
Your Summa Domestica has helped me out again this week with a domestic crisis related to having two under two. Really grateful to you for your realistic and practical advice. Thank you!
Mary Elizabeth says
I know the pain! I am not yet twenty, and I have aches and pains in my bones and joints. Sometimes it gets pretty bad. One time I threw up from the pain. We (my mom and I) have never gotten me diagnosed with anything, but we do call it arthritis. I use homeopathic remedies to ease the discomfort, and I also use ice packs. The latter works pretty well. Apparently, St. James is the patron of people with arthritis, so St. James pray for us all!!
Mrs. T says
Auntie Leila, I chuckle at the “chore bargaining” with older kids comment. It’s so true! I find this naturally happens as they grow.
And congratulations on the new little one. I hope Suki is able to get plenty of rest. I find, if possible, 2 to 3 weeks of solid bedrest is imperative. Especially as a woman gets older and her brood gets larger.
Andrea says
The quilt is gorgeous!!! I love the colors!!! Congratulations on the quilt, the baby, all!!!!
Mary Keane says
Revisiting the kids doing chores post, yes, that’s all so true, Leila! And today a few days postpartum with baby #7, it’s so obvious to me it’s payed dividends to teach those kids! Today my nine-year-old washed my sheets, some smaller ones picked up my room for me, and the big kids have done a lot of general prep and cleanup with her Baptism today. (My 12-year-old daughter even smocked the baptismal gown!) We’ve had a team operating around here but it’s mostly just normal for them. I’m noticing that the children know they have been indispensable while I’m “lying in.” They are justly proud of themselves and I of them!
Leila says
Beautiful!
Emma says
“ it was all very much a matter of putting it together as I went along, instead of starting out with a good plan.”
I, for one, am completely shocked and blindsided by this news. 😉 😉
(Coming from the gal who was asked yesterday, “What are you knitting?” And I had to answer, “It was a bonnet, but I didn’t swatch, so now it’s a bottom-up cardigan.”)
Congrats to all!!! So impressed by the handquilting in this unfortunate day of prolific home quilting machines, and so sorry to hear of the arthritis.