Virtual Retreat - Ongoing (started January 2019)

[lotti]

Sharon, sending lots of healing vibes. You’ve been very very busy and I’m sure the girls will have memories that will be treasured forever.

[lotti]

As some of you have already heard, my dad has passed away on 2nnd August. He had been ill for a long time and I could spend a few weeks with him in May. Thanks to my mom, my elder brother and sister-in-law he could be at home and passed away surrounded by most of the family. Now we are collecting ourselves and treasuring memories. I think of him together with friends and family that have gone before - having a great time catching up on everything and reminiscing. That makes me smile.

Last week I took a day off to go back to my hometown and visit places from my childhood, and visit a few relatives and friends. Tomorrow my cousin (who spent all her holidays with us as we were growing up and is more like my big sister) is coming to spend a few days and we’ll do another visit of places that are important for both of us.

My dad, me and three of my nieces


My mom and dad last winter


The big house on the right is where we lived when I was small (this house is more than 1000 years old and is right on the Rhine River)
The villa on the left was one of the villas owned by the Bosch family - yes the Bosch electronics company - the caretaker’s daughter was my best friend growing up. While the rest of the family was generally only there for a few weeks in summer and for weekend parties, Grandma Bosch used to spend part of the year here. When we were small the two of us used to be allowed to visit her and watch special movies with her on her TV - two I will never forget are “Hawkeye and the last of the Mohicans” and “The King and I”. Yes she had the first color tv in our area! (The villa has since been sold and now houses a specialty library). The old house where we had lived is still in use, the grandson of the owner when we were there and his family live there now and work the farm.


In the next “city” Stein am Rhein


And from the vineyard overlooking part of my hometown and the valley above Unterstammheim, Switzerland.



A couple of weeks ago was my godmum’s 65th wedding anniversary. I made them each a quilt - they love to sit out on the balcony enjoying the sun. On cooler days it’s good to bundle up




Look after yourselves and know there is always something good to treasure
Hugs, Lotti

[lotti]

Sharon,
CONGRATULATIONS,,, that is just a totally awesome quilt.
Your time with family will always give you many happy memories.
Now, just what where you trying to do? Dance a jig??? LOL
May you heal quickly and fully.

[lotti]

Lotti,
May you all enjoy your memories of your Dad. I know how tough it can be, but it’s those times when we feel the lost the most that we know we ‘have loved the deepest’. May God supply the peace that will sustain you and nourish your hearts. Love to all of you.

[eileenkny]

Oh Sharon! Congratulations on the award!! But oh my goodness, your poor hand! How long will you be laid up? Sending you good healing thoughts. Gotta love summer when the grandies get to visit. Which show is in Portland?

Lotti, my sincere condolences on your Dad's passing. It's good you have family around to share the memories.
1000 years old! Wow!! Did they update it for plumbing, electricity and heat? Did you ever have problems when the Rhine flooded? I have so many questions for you.
Those quilts are so happy for your godparents! I'm sure they'll enjoy them.

[twiglet]

Ow Sharon poor you, hope you heal quick but congratulations on your success with the quilt. Fabulous

Lotti I saw your post about your dad on Facebook and so sorry it's hard. I love that you're finding comfort with your family and remembering the past and your links. Your snuggle quilts are gorgeous.

[quilting00]

Oh Sharon. . .awful about the damage from your fall. Please follow directions and heal quickly!!!! Congratulations on the award for your Spring Explosion quilt. It is such a lovely piece of work and what a great name for it!

Lotti, hugs to you. I am sorry to learn of your dad's passing. May the fun and happy memories buoy your heart and head when sadness tries to creep into your life. Dad's are extra special and when you've had a good one, they are missed!

[genevacarroll]

Sharon, How nice that your quilt is a winner! Not surprising in the least. Good luck in September. I'm so sorry about your thumb. Such a small little digit, but oh so important. Here's to a quick recovery.

Lotti, I'm very sorry for the loss of your father. Your smiles in the pictures with him say it all. I love Switzerland! It's so beautiful, especially through your photography. Love those snuggle quilts. So bright and cheery. 65 years! Nice...

Yesterday was my day to write. I was busy so I will report in today. Except, not much to report. I am sewing the binding down on the 3rd Christmas quilt. I have the 4th layered and hope to get the Foundation quilting done on it today. I'm tired of working on these quilts, but will be so happy when I see the smiles on the faces of my kids and grandkids. Quilts 1 and 2 are done. Here's a picture of them. (Sorry if I've already posted!)









I wish you all a happy August!

Take care, geneva

[eileenkny]

Geneva, it is a long process to work on multiples of the same quilt, but you're nearing the end. Congratulations, and you're right-they'll love them.

[quilting00]

I missed my date to post so will catch up now!!!
I completed the May and the June embroidery lessons with my software. In fact, I liked the June lesson so much that I may use it as a block in a future quilt! My niece announced her engagement. I made a bread bag, napkins and napkin rings to go with the chicken placemats that I had finished earlier. These items will be a shower gift. I sewed a gingham skirt for a grand daughter. I finished chenille potholders and a bag that I will donate to the guild's boutique sale in September.

I started a leader/ender project. I made progress on the Good Fortune/Bonnie Hunter mystery. I recapped what I accomplished in July. Now. . .if I can just keep the momentum going!!!

[anne1]

Dear Lotti,
So sorry to hear about your Dad.
I still miss my dad and he passed away 40 years ago but every time I dust the photo of him and Mum it brings a tear to my eye.
You learn to live with the loss but you don't get over it.
Be happy that he was surrounded by a loving family.
Best wishes and hugs
Anne

[genevacarroll]

Terry, I enjoyed your post and blog postings. You've been busy!

I hear you regarding the frustration with the embroidery module. I get so frustrated sometimes that I want to give up. I've never been able to stitch something out without multiple thread breakages. It's so maddening!

I admire your persistence in sorting and using your friend Martha's scraps. It's a nice way to honor her and help others. Good luck with your Good Fortune quilt. I tried one of Bonnie's mysteries and it just wasn't for me. Though I do enjoy watching the progress everyone makes. I do have a leader ender project going. I think Bonnie's idea is so clever. I've made several quilts this way and it always makes me happy to see them done!

Thank you for sharing so much of yourself with us. You inspire me! geneva

[fabrikath]

My first time back to the Forum in ages and what do I see? My new "one of my all-time new favorites" quilt! I;m going to print it out and put it in my Inspirations folder. Congratulations Geneva and thank you for sharing your talents!

[fabrikath]

I am captivated by the TREE quilts with the fun design, imaginative color scheme and the thought that you are making so many family members happy!

[genevacarroll]

Hello all,

Limania's husband posted on facebook that Limbania has passed away this morning. I am so saddened to hear this. My heart goes out to her husband and children. She was an amazing quilter and such a wonderful woman. So strong. Limbania, rest in peace.