Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Call Back and New Challenge Fabric

I went to the hospital today for my ultrasound. Over the years I have had to do this more than once. I have had a lump removed which gave me a large scar on my right breast and an aspiration on the left which left a small round scar as a reminder.  I wasn't worried until the tech jumped up and bolted from the room saying "I'll get the doctor to look at the images" and did not return for more than 15 minutes. The one time I don't bring a book and my only entertainment is a two year old Style magazine that made me sneeze. When she walked back into the room and announced that the doctor wanted to talk with me, I'll admit I got a little scared. Left alone for another 5 minutes alone, I must have looked scared too because when the doctor walked in he immediately said, "It's okay," and then he introduced himself. (I'm good with names but for the life of me, I could not tell you his.) The cyst in my right breast had grown "considerably" but "nothing to worry about." Relief! Rejoice!

It seems fitting to announce the next challenge since my friend Judy and her wonderful sense of humor kept popping into my head today at the hospital. You see Judy had brain cancer. She put up a good but short fight. I am thankful that she went peacefully. Something I wish for us all. She had always wanted to divide up her stash amongst her friends but never got the opportunity so her poor husband Ken got the responsibility. While he had lived nearly 35 years with a quiltmaker, he readily admitted that he "should have paid closer attention." Most of the friends were easy to find fabrics for since after their names were colors like purple, blue or green. I was more of an challenge since Judy had written that the fabrics for me be "wild, fun, and interesting." The two fabrics I share here are the same. They are just in different colorways. I've been tempted to donate them more than once and always at the last minute would pull them from the donation bag. At different times, I have thought of them as "ugly" to "interesting." They seem so fitting now for the next fabric challenge. They were manufactured by Robert Kaufman. I have no idea when. I don't recall ever seeing them. So this is for Judy and embracing all the good news life can bring you.

We will keep on making free-form, free spirited quilts for this challenge but in any way that you see fits the theme. You won't get to pick the colorway either. I'm going to let that be a surprise. I don't have as much of these fabrics as I did the 1950s fabric so this will be limited to the first 12 people to respond. Postage has gone up so I will also only be sending 1/4 yard.  Let the fun begin!

19 comments:

  1. wow, Karen. So glad you were pronounced well! The fabrics remind me of medical cross-sections and/or views under a microscope, which is fitting as a visual to go with your stories. I will check your blog to see what people do with the fabric.

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    1. Thanks! I look forward to seeing what happens with the fabric too! Hugs, Karen

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  2. Karen, happy for you and your results! I can identify with the whole thing completely. I just finished a battery of tests myself. So, I am especially for embracing all the good news life can bring. I am curious about this next challenge. Any more rules?

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    1. You have to use the fabric and it has to be free-form/free spirited. I'm thinking May 1 for the deadline. Thoughts? Hugs, Karen

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    2. I can do that. Is it too late to be counted in?

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  3. Count me in for this challenge, too, please. I had so much fun with the last one!

    Glad to hear that your test is okay! That is such a worry to go through and the relief is so good!

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    1. You're in! Thanks for the kind words on my adventure today. Always make me realize I should live fully! Hugs, Karen

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  4. Karen...I cannot wait for this fabric!!! My current challenge piece will get photos tomorrow or Thursday... It was such a challenge to pull me into a totally new way of designing. Challenged, but I so loved the doing.The top is almost all finished...just the quilting remains but I will get to you the series of photos of the making of the parts of the whole.
    Anything special...that I need to do to be in on this next challenge? I love the fabrics and wonder how the free-form will push me this time.
    Do I need to send postage to you for this one?
    Thank you for the spark of life and expansion you have added to my journey in the studio.
    Kristin

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    1. Well, I am so happy that you are happy. Just remember to stretch! Thanks for being a part of my life! It means more than you know. Hugs, Karen

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  5. Karen...I totally forgot to tell you that I had been speaking your name in my prayers...and feeling the spirit of healing surrounding you....and that the news would not be too negative...and I am thrilled that your news was indeed, good. A blessing....a happy story...thanks for taking us along on the journey with you!!!
    Kristin

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  6. I'm SO glad to hear that the news was good. I can't do the second challenge because I'm going to be traveling, but the first one is all done except for the binding and I'll post photos tomorrow. It was so much fun -- thanks again for organizing it!

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    1. Sherrie, Have fun traveling! Can't wait to see your finished quilt! Hugs, Karen

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  7. Karen, you had me holding my breath with your story. I am so relieved that you are ok. I am totally addicted to free form piecing and would love to join your challenge if there's room. (I really do work larger than a postcard:-)
    Looking forward to hearing from you....
    Sara Kelly

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    1. Sara, I feel as if we are kindred spirits and I am so happy you want to join in the fun! Hugs, Karen

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  8. Phew! Good news.
    Wish I could join you for another challenge but I'll be lucky if I get the current one finished. (health stuff . . .)

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    1. Gail, Please take care of yourself and don't worry about the challenge quilt. Just share when you're done. I'll be here waiting. Hugs, Karen

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  9. Hi Karen, Not knowledgeable on how to post other than anonymous so here I am. In case you're keeping track thru this account I want to get in que for your friend Judy's fabric. I sent my finished 1950 fabric quilt earlier today. Continued good health! Louise/Oregon

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Love comments! Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me.