Isn’t it amazing how traveling makes you so tired?? I have traveled for about 30 hours this past weekend to come from North Carolina (USA) to Napier (New Zealand).
I wish, I could say I was traveling back home to have fun visiting family, friends and vacation, but unfortunately that is not the full story. My mum (who is in her early 60’s) has been put through some rigorous and long periods of testing over the last year. She has finally been diagnosed with a large benign, inoperable brain tumor. She is in her last 3 weeks of radiation, in attempts to try to shrink it.
Playing with color placement of the expanded design
As she travels and stays in a different city for her treatment each week, I decided that I wanted to be there to support her. I also want to leave her with something that brings her comfort when I am not around.
Original design
A quilt would be perfect. I have been playing around with her favorite colors, purple and orange and one of my Quilt Design a Day patterns. I have added a few other colors to add depth….coral/peach, yellow and magenta. The background fabrics are a mix of 20 white on neutrals prints.
Close-up of the blocks in-progress
I had to expand the design and play with the color placement but I am really pleased with how it is looking all up on my design wall. I bought all the rows with me to try to finish it before I leave.
All the pieces up on my design wall
The other project I am working on is a “secret”. It took a lot of procrastination trying to work out how to make this design into reality. The color palette is also way outside of my comfort zone but I am loving how it is coming together.
And you can’t complain, when you get joins like these on your first go.
Anyway, that is what I am up to this week. I am getting plenty of design and sewing time which I am very happy about.
Linking up with Lee over @ Freshly Pieced for WiP Wednesday.
Factotum of Arts 
As a former cancer patient currently in remission, I can endorse your choice of a quilt to give pleasure to your mum! It gives warmth, comfort and a sense of continuity as you’re shuffled from pillar to post, from doctor to doctor and hospital to hospital, and it will remind her of you every time she uses it. My own Hospital Blankie has seen me through four bouts of chemo and 5 lots of surgery, and is now a very dear friend. I wish your mum all the best.
So sorry to hear about your mother’s illness! I’m sure your presence and the great quilt she’ll have after you’ve gone home, mean a lot to here! It’s a good thing you can work on the quilt in your present, stressful situation. Hopefully it can distract for a while from all the worries and pain you’ve to go through in a situation like this.
So sorry to hear about your mom, but your right those are perfect lines.
I’m glad you are able to be there with your mom as she is finishing up her treatment. I have been thinking of you both!
My prayers to your mom. And all the good wishes for good health. Your quilt is beautiful and she’s going to love it!
Sorry to hear about your mom. Good you are able to be with her during treatment.
Hope your mother’s treatments are successful. Beautiful projects. I’m quite jealous of those perfectly matching seams. Great job!
So glad you can be there with your mum. I love both quilts you’re working on.
Michelle, I know your mom is so comforted by your presence, and your beautiful quilt will lift her spirits even more. Love to all of you!
Your quilt work is looking wonderful. I love the choice of fabrics, colours and design you have choosen for your mum’s quilt. They exude warmth and I am sure the quilt will be a great comfort to her when you are not around in person. I do hope that her treatment works well. I am keeping you both in my thoughts.
Sorry to hear about your mum, as I am sure it is not an easy trip for you but lovely that you can offer her a quilt that she will cherish. I have also returned to NZ for the summer so I hope you enjoy the beauty in the summer colours and you get inspiration for your very creative quilts.
All the best to your mom
So sorry about your Mom. It is great that you are going to be with her. Both these projects look great.
Love your design, I really can’t wait to see what comes from your surprise! I wish all my angular seams could come together like that!
I rarely mix oranges-yellows with pinks and purples, the colors can clash so easily. But I love the fabrics and tones you chose for this one, they work so well together!