Pieceful Passion

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2011-05-28T13:17:00.000-05:00

It has been an interesting and difficult year. Last year at this time we were reeling from Bob's new status of "Post MI". I was trying to juggle my new job... which was also undergoing big changes in structure... with going to cardiac rehab three times a week. We were both losing weight and getting more fit. Nutritional information on every item for purchase was scrutinized.

Since then, Bob is doing great. We both continue to work at the fitness part. We were walking 3 miles together each morning...Bob more by himself... but then... I was injured at work. We have readjusted our lifestyles once again. Now I am post spinal fusion at two levels, another big impact on our lives. I am healing... just slooooowwwly. It will come.

Today's guild meeting

2010-02-16T17:03:00.002-06:00

Bonnie Browning of AQS was our speaker today... she is incredible and oh, I wish I had been able to take her classes this month! She had lots of tips for us... which I wrote down. I did realize I already had all the books she brought with her to sell but one... I DO have a great library! We went to lunch and shared ideas!

Those wonderful Nebraskan Quilters

2010-01-26T16:34:00.000-06:00

Last Tuesday my daytime guild, Cottonwood Quilters, chose a demonstration program "Round Robin" style. Members of the guild demonstrated techniques like mitered binding (with a neat little tool) (Lori Lang), large scale applique quilts(Dianne Thomas , Confetti Applique(Shelly Burge), utility quilting, thin line piecing (Pick up Sticks by Peg Pennel), making wonderful lables (Sally Schmidt) . It was a fun, informative day... I am lucky enough to belong to two quilt guilds, two machine quilting guild, and three small groups. I definately don't make every meeting, but sure enjoy my quilting sisters!

Haiti Heartbreak

2010-01-21T09:03:00.000-06:00

Like most of you, I am awed by the horrible events that have taken place in Haiti, from the living conditions, earthquake and aftermath to the incredible rescue and assistance that is taking place there now.

I have added a feed from a young Dr. that my daughter grew up with. His family was well known for thier contiued international humanitarian efforts, as well as local support. This blog is another glimpse into what the people of Haiti, and .... their rescuers... are experiencing.
http://powerdyme.com/dan-diamond-powerdyme-blog/

We must not only donate monetarily but continue to pray for them.

Snowflake Retreat!

2010-01-17T16:32:00.006-06:00

What a fun time we had at Snowflake Retreat! There WAS a lot of snow, and also Hoar Frost that blanketed the trees. The Gone to Piece's found themselves going to pieces as we laughed our way through the weekend. I actually managed to get a quilt top finished... one that I, uh... had started last year thinking I would have it on my retreat bed this year. Oh well... next year!

Some of the GTP members were not able to attend the retreat, and they were missed!

Happy Clients, Happy Quilter!

2010-01-11T22:13:00.003-06:00

It is so rewarding when clients come to pick up their quilts, and love them! These were fun to do, the bright flowers cheered me up on a gray day, the circles and dots were fun, and the embroidered plant quilt was right up my alley... green, purple and leafy! The two green quilts had allover leaf meandering, with custom fill in the blocks. The other quilt was an edge to edge swirly curly pattern... love this one!

Stashbusting and Conquering the UFO's!

2010-01-11T22:02:00.003-06:00

Members of MQR are making a committment to work on our UFO's (Unfinished Objects) and Stashbusting... using up the fabric 'stash' accumulated and gathering dust on shelves. I am ready to make progress, and plan to make a committment to sew for myself.... not only to use up the fabric but because piecing quilts makes me happy! I have so many UFO's, some will be modified to get them done, and some will be donated as charity quilts. Others will be given to the intended recipient. But... some will adorn my home, which amazingly has very few quilts that I have made... they always seem to be for someone else! Wish me luck!

We have way too much snow...

2010-01-10T12:46:00.003-06:00

but Jasmine loves every flake that has landed on our Omaha yard!

Keep America Safe

2010-01-10T12:21:00.000-06:00

Keep America Safe

Wow, this will make you think!

College Sports Quilts

2009-12-20T11:15:00.000-06:00

I love the black/red/white quilts that celebrate the Big Red... Nebraska Cornhuskers! This was fun, and I enjoyed one of my favorite way to approach custom quilts, with different backgrounds in each block.

I also enjoyed the Iowa Hawkeye quilt completed in November... another creative quilt with wonderful contrast to play on.

Giving Thanks... "30 Days of Thankfulness"

2009-11-17T22:01:00.005-06:00

Giving thanks... "30 Days of Thankfulness" I first heard about this from Randi, a web friend. I love this idea... and have been writing daily a brief note of thanks. Yes, we should be giving thanks daily... and perhaps this will be one of those habits formed and maintained. I hope so!

Today I am thankful for my friends. I have met such wonderful people over the years. No matter where I lived (yes, even Dallas?) there were good people around to share joys and sorrows. Even friends that have caused me great pain had at one time brought me joy... that is the nature of things, isn't it? Today specifically I am thankful for a group of ladies that I meet with on meeting days for two different guilds, for occasional sew and adventure days. The are delightful, talented, creative, fun, beautiful... and I learn so much from them. How could I be so lucky... again? Leaving Washington was so painful, having to say good-bye to friends I truly enjoyed. Even though I am still in touch, I am the 'away' person and that is just different. But, lucky me! I met some lovely ladies here in Nebraska too. I had attended a longarm group meeting, and days later walked into a daytime quilt guild meeting... and the 'greeter' recognized me! Lovely Cheryl invited me to sit with her, and to join her friends for lunch. I met Cheryl, Carol, Joann, Nellie, and Aimee. .. a fun and diverse group of ladies. I am thankful... for the Blessings of Friendship.

Halloween Quilts

2009-10-30T21:38:00.001-05:00

What Fun! Halloween Quilts! They were both bright and I put a Halloween overall design on each of them. The back to the close up shot quilt (with black borders) is minkee... ooooh, how I love to quilt minkee! Soft, has texture, and the quilting looks lovely!

Who WOULDN"T Wannamakeablankie?

2009-10-27T22:32:00.000-05:00

What a fun weekend! Friday was the first day of the Cottonwood Quilt Show. I worked the morning shift, white gloving... which is just a great way to meet people and see all the quilts! It was a really nice show.. only takes place every two years, so my first experience with this guild. Then, off to Camp Wannamakeablankie with the Omaha Quilt Guild! I shared a table with Page, Deb, and Kay... and we had so much fun! They all actually managed to get things sewn. OK, I did get some blocks sewn for my sister's quilt... but mostly visited. I think I have Quilt Group ADHD.. I am up and down out of my chair, and way more interested in everyone else's projects... and into the social scene. This is not a new problem, or insight... but how it is. Since retreat is not a competition but a way to have fun... it doesn't matter what you accomplish! I met several new-to-me quilters, and enjoyed getting to know others better.

At Wannamakeablankie we are well cared for and well fed. The retreat center is more like a hotel then most of the facilities I have been in, and the staff friendly and helpful. This retreat we all work on our own projects, very little structure. Members receive a token as they enter the dining room and search for their matching table. This allows you to meet more attendees then just the folks you sit with or your small group.

My small group ( the Gone To Pieces) were seated across the room from me, but we did visit frequently! I was warmly welcomed by the Hands All Around group, who kept us laughing and chatting through all hours as we stitched and pressed, ate, drank, 'frogged', and ate again.

Lucky me! Now, can't wait till the Gone To Pieces retreat "Snowflake" that takes place in January!

Sister Linda

2009-09-17T20:48:00.003-05:00

My sister and her husband visited us on their way to the Badlands and Mt. Rushmore. We had a wonderful visit, and were delighted that they could stop by on their way back home. Now, I think Chris' reason to visit had more to do with Jasmine the dog, (just kidding!). But oh, so good to give my sister Linda a hug. It has been a 'tough' family year, with loss and heartache... but also rich joy ... such as the upcoming birth of a new niece within the next few days.

I miss Innovations!

2009-09-17T20:40:00.002-05:00

There are times I miss my familar surroundings in Washington. My friends, guilds, home, quilt stores... I miss being known in my community, community ties...

I have met WONDERFUL friends here in NE, and enjoy my guilds very much. I am happy in Omaha... but there are times when I get 'homesick'... and during Innovations is one of those times.

I loved going to Innovations and seeing the quilts, the classes, the vendors. Cindy Roth had a brainstorm and started this event, Innovations: A Machine Quilting Conference held yearly in Tacoma, WA. The only west coast machine quilting conference, the classes are primarily longarm related, but also include the wide range of machine quilters including domestic. If you are near, visit the quilt show and sign up to get the info for next year's classes!

Bleach Discharge and Fun with Friends!

2009-09-17T20:05:00.004-05:00

What is quilting without friends?

What a fun play day, our small group met to play with bleach discharge techniques such as shown in our books "Casting Shadows" by Colleen Wise. Cheryl was our teacher/guide, Nel our lovely hostess. LNel reserved lunch at Delicious! Bakery and Cafe in Valley, NE.... what a fantastic cafe...definately a place to return to! The owner also has a shop across the street, and hosts events such as a women's night out.

We challenge ourselves to get one of our pieces done by our next meeting.

2009-07-20T16:26:00.003-05:00

What a fun day! Karen had a desire to head down to the Nebraskan town of Hebron to see the World's Largest Porch swing. What a fun and lovely day we had! The porch swing WAS large, and we enjoyed swinging in the park. We played on the barrel roll too... that was fun! The day was warm, but breezy and lovely in the shade. From their we headed north to Fairbury, to Rock Creek Station Crossing, a station along the Oregan Trail, Pony Express, and where Wild Bill Hickock was launched as a legend.. This state park is well maintainted, restoring the original station as shown in the photographs. Yes, back in 1859! Quite a story about the folks living there, great museum... Then we headed north to Beatrice, and visited the Homestead Museum. We enjoyed a picnic on their lovely grounds, enjoyed the video, images and artifacts, and learned a lot about the first and last homesteaders. Yes, we did see a couple of quilts and references to quilts. Karen loves to see those unique attractions...like the world's biggest porch swing... and thanks to her influence we all had a lovely day and learned a bit more about Nebraska.

Picnic in the park!

2009-07-15T20:31:00.003-05:00

Bob and I went to the park for a picnic dinner, he brought home Subway Sandwiches. It was a beautiful evening, low 80's, low humidity.... great for an Omaha summer day! We threw the ball so Jasmine could swim, then walked a bit. As always when leaving the park, we drove around looking for deer...saw 4! Three adults and a frisky fawn! Then, Bob noticed two hot airballoons. We watched them draw nearer... then decided to try to find the landing place for one of them. Just as we parked it lowered down towards us. We were only about 50 feet from the landing place! It was beautiful, and children came running as the balloon landed yelling ''helloooo!". The baloonist called back, made a smooth landing, then lifted up and away again. Jasmine didn't mind at all, she just watched too. It was a lovely, peaceful evening... now to go look for fireflies!

My Mom, Florence J Zavacky

2009-07-11T10:59:00.007-05:00

It is so hard to describe the events of the last couple of weeks. My parents came to Omaha to visit for several days including Father's Day, leaving for home the following Monday. On the Friday of the same week, Bob, Karen and I headed to Indiana for my nephew's graduation, staying with my parents. With cousins and siblings, we planned how to celebrate my mother's upcoming 75th birthday. We had a lovely visit, and when we arrived home late Sunday evening I called my mom, thanked her, chatted with her a bit, and said 'talk to you tomorrow'. The next morning, she was being taken by ambulance to the hospital, suspected stroke. My dad found her, how long after our conversation had she fallen? The dr's found a triple stroke on both sides, recoverable... but suspected a fourth in her brain stem, which would be very bad news. They were correct. The next several days we watched my mom decline in the hospital, then to hospice. I cannot say enough about the wonderful care and compassion we found at the VNA Hospice in Porter County. Oh, overworked nurses, staying way past the end of their shift to chart because they did spend time taking good care of patients and families, along with their volunteer staff. The Pastor of my brother's church, Pastor Joseph Olefinski sustained us with his presence and prayer, and conducted services for my mom. I can't say enough about Moeller's Funeral home, their staff is outstanding. Family, friends and neighbors were there to support us, especially my dad.

The last days of my mother's life were filled with family and fun before events changed. During her hospital and hospice stay all gathered around her, sharing memories and prayer. Mom couldn't have written a better exit from this world. My wonderful husband, ever a rock for me, gave a beautiful eulogy... the honor given to the spouse who has endured the family the longest.

By now, most of us are aware that life does change in a heartbeat. Whole families on their way to Florida for vacation are wiped out in an instant by a careless trucker, or a stroke can end the life of the mother who was looking forward to the birth of the 14th grandchild or a granddaughter's wedding. All the more reason to be the best person you can, do the things you enjoy, and most of all, love and help each other through all of life's ups and downs.
Obituary

REAL Heroes?

2009-06-26T10:16:00.003-05:00

By the way, I was also born in Gary, IN, the same year as Michael Jackson. I remember the excitement as the Jackson 5, then Michael, rose to stardom. This talented music artist will be remembered for his contributions to his music, artistic presentation, incredible dancing... but gosh, he was vary tainted, believed to be a pedophile, and certainly a bizarre man. Why the constant adoration on the news and internet? Sheesh, yes, I can sing the songs, and be thankful that more young boys will escape his grasp. He is NOT a hero.

My real heroes? Pvt Andrew J. Sheilds and family , Pv Kevin Kammerdiener (new Purple Heart Recipient) and family, Marine Chance Phelps and Lt. Col. Michael Strobl ("Taking Chance") My nephew, Jeff Sims. Rr. Admiral Bill Goodwin. The Army, Airforce, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard... and their families. The firemen, policemen and their families. The Iranians willing to protest their government corruption, and those fighting evil and corruption around the globe. The doctors and nurses administering care with increasingly limited resources. And some (a few) politicians willing to work to preserve our constitutional freedom.

Not Michael. Not Farrah. Neither Jon nor Kate. Not a single desperate housewife or talk show host or media mongrel.

Please, lets honor the REAL heroes of our time.

Gratitude Campaign

2009-06-23T11:54:00.003-05:00

Have you ever felt awkward when you see a service man/women, wanting to thank them for their service but not knowing how to do so comfortably in various situations. I have felt like this before, perhaps you have too? The founder of the Gratitude Campaign, Scott Truitt, found a way to make it easier for all of us. My husband Bob is great about saying thanks, and I try to follow his lead. But sometimes the place isn't appropriate, or they are involved in an activity. This is a great way to communicate our appreciation in those situations!

Thank you to all the men and women that serve this country, and May God Bless and Protect the U.S.A!

Bye, Mom & Dad!

2009-06-22T20:07:00.002-05:00

My folks headed home today, crossing the plains on a scorching hot day. What a long drive for them, and I will be relieved when they call to say they are home.

It was back to water aerobics for me, then to meet a friend for lunch (yummy Le Peep's), deliver her finished quilt and pick up the next. Spent some time in the fabric shop "Sunshine Stitches" just looking at fabric and chatting with Becky, one of the owners. Home to do more tidyig up, and comfort the cat who really is glad that Cody and Cheyenne are gone! Worked on blocks for "Peppermint Twist" by Jo Morton. Judie and I had purchased the kits a couple of years ago, and we started on these blocks on her visit. Tonight was the Book Group, but I decided to stay home with my headache, especially since I didn't read the book. I don't know if I should blame the heat or just maybe fatigue, but since my Book Club has never seen my crabby side....

Father's Day!

2009-06-21T21:27:00.000-05:00

Father's Day was pretty low-key here! We made a nice bacon and egg breakfast, and relaxed with my folks... then after Karen had completed her shift at Red Robin we went there for dinner. Then home to play Apples to Apples... my parents had never played before.. and then watched "Hotel for Dogs" before they packed their things up. Bob is still researching his gift, a basketball hoop, and Karen has found some rear-view mirror options for pedestrians, so he can see those crazy bicyclists coming from behind when he walks the lake! Dan called for Bob, and my brother and sister Linda called Dad, Bob called his dad... lots of phone time!

My dad recieved a cart from my family, Chris and Linda, Laurie and Vince, and Bob and Michelle. We thought he might need some joint juice too!

Click on dad's photo for slideshow of the visit. When you are done, hit the back button to return to the blog.

Mom and Dad visit!

2009-06-20T10:06:00.003-05:00

From Blogger Pictures

My mom and dad are here, visiting from Indiana. They drove across the hot midwest to get here, bringing their Westies, Cheyenne and Cody. They are hilarious! Both dogs get along with our Jasmine... and are getting a work out! It is great to visit with my folks. They didn't want to do touristy things, just enjoy each other. We have watched a few movies... both Grand Torino and Bedtime Stories.. my mom brought them with her for our entertainment!

I've Killed Sue!

2009-06-14T16:50:00.004-05:00

Well, this was fun! I killed Sue... for the guild's "Demise of Sue" quiltblocks to be shown at the playhouse. I didn't want to repeat any of the blocks that the original quilt had, and had help from my family thinking up new options. Karen thought of the tornado..perfect! Believe it or not, the landscape fabric was from a vest I made Karen in elementary school, with a moo shirt and a cow spot tie. We were very Kansan then.

My Description:

"Poor Sunbonnet Sue! Although she was a fan of the Wizrd of Oz, she never thought it could happen to her. She did not watch the weather channel, and she wore her I-Pod while doing her farming. Alas...she paid no attention to the sirens or worsening weather. Protected by her bonnet, she wasn't even bothered by the large hail. Only when swept into the vortex of a Nebraskan tornado did she realize her folly."

You can visit the Quilt Index for more information on The Sun Sets on Sunbonnet Sue, a qult made by the Seamster's Union, Local 500 in Lawrence KS in 1979.

Omaha Quilters Quilt Show

2009-06-12T09:53:00.010-05:00

What a great show! I moved here last year just after the quilt show, so this was my first one with the OQG. This group is dynamic, involved in so many community activities. It was great to see the turn out... great quilts and vendors helps ensure that! Next year we have a new venue, the LaVista conference center. I think that will be even better! I will be more involved in the show next year, volunteer some hours as all members should. What fun... met new friends, enjoyed others, and saw lots of lovely quilts. My 'new vendor' find is Fernhill Quilt Shop... a definate 'road trip' destination.

Happy me, I did finish one quilt for the show.. Karen's 25th birthday quilt. Bob and Karen came to the show, as we walked up to her quilt a group of quilters admiring it. I was able to say "this is the adventurer who's tshirts are on the quilt". She is amazing, it was fun to include at least a few of her adventures. I really enjoyed making this quilt, I pieced it more like a puzzle so as to allow the blocks to be staggered and keep true to the shirt image.

This is Karen receiving her quilt on her birthday. Notice we added another row to the quilt later when we found another bin of shirts. There were so many representative tshirts, no way to incude them all.. this quilt ended up being 96 x 96!

Lovely Girl Quilt

2009-06-12T09:48:00.003-05:00

Isn't this cute? I love love love the sweetness of this quit. The quilt pieced by Vicki O, and quilted with Jodi Beamish's "Daisy Swirl"... a perfect pattern for this fabric. Although custom quilting is my favorite, all quilters know pantos are the bread and butter, and I particularly enjoy these patterns that suit the fabric and flow so smoothly. There are so many clever patterns available now!

The Z's Arrive!

2009-06-12T09:02:00.018-05:00

We had so much fun with my brother and his family when they visited the end of may. We had Pizza in the Park, at Werhspoon Lake, and my amazing 13 yr old nephew ran 3 of the 7 miles around the lake. We went to the Strategic Air Museum too. Mostly, we just enjoyed each other's company, and hopefully this busy family had some time to relax. I enjoyed Devin, the 'almost' two year old, and figured out why I was much thinner when I had little kids... he seemed to have endless energy. This was the first time I was able to spend one on one time with Michele, my SIL.. she is lovely. Ok, I knew she was lovely already... but when we visit IN we have lots of folks around and not much one on one time with anyone. My wonderful little brother is an awesome father and husband! We let Devin fingerpaint while we played a game, why didn't we get some paint on z's head?

D.A.R.E. Quilt

2009-06-12T08:47:00.007-05:00

I forgot to post the photo of the D.A.R.E quilt! MIS commissioned this quilt for a retiring D.A.R.E officer.

I designed in EQ6 and it was sewn and quilted in record time. Ordered a t-shirt from the D.A.R.E. site and worked from there! I was told he loved it! Had to piece the back in order to use the manly plaid I found, and really liked the outcom

See more at my website http://picasaweb.google.com/jennifer.pielow/ClientQuilts##

Judie and MQS

2009-05-20T23:06:00.002-05:00

What a wonderful time we had when my friend Judie from WA visited me! We went to the internatonal quilt museum, and sewed on our Peppermint Twists quilts. We went to local quilt shops, and down to MQS. We had fun!

Bob is heading home!

2009-05-07T10:12:00.003-05:00

It has been a long week with Bob away, and Karen working extra shifts. It seems like I have worked every minute of every hour, but of course that isn't true... watched "24", House, spent time on the internet... but it is close to true. The computer crash at the end of April was NOT a good thing. Oh, the hours we spend on those darn computers to keep them running! I used Acronis to back up after I revived it this time ... supposed to back up the operating systems and software components, we hope so! I think it was over heated under my desk? Was a hot few days and I didn't have the air on... Finished the commission quilt, tons of yard work, packing up some winter, and actually (ick) did some shopping beyond groceries! Still catching up on my books for home and business.

I do love working in the yard! If I had no other responsibilities, my yard would be lovely and overflowing with plants and flowers, no brown spots that Jasmine has claimed, my house filled with lovely quilts and everyone I love snuggled up as well... oh, and maybe my house would be very clean too. Friends would come and go to quilt or just visit. Jasmine would be brushed every day, I would weigh 120...oh, gosh... that statement made this fantasy bubble pop!

It's Judie's Birthday!

2009-04-26T17:55:00.004-05:00

My dear friend has been through the kind of year that no one should have to endure. She has said good bye to her husband after nursing him through a tough decline (we miss you Standley!), and gave the ultimate sacrifice as her grandson lost his life serving our country in Afghanistan (thank you, Andrew...) Certainly her year has been marked with joys, including her newest grandchild... and more babies on the way, lots of love from family and friends. She has dealt with all with grace, fortitude, and most of all... unbounding love. There are few people that I admire as much as my friend. Thank you, Judie... and Happy Birthday. Know you are loved.

Planning to feel better.

2009-04-09T20:26:00.002-05:00

OK, I went to the Nurse Practitioner and have antibiotics. Good-bye yearly sinus infection! I did quilt today, and did a bit of sewing..prepared my blocks for Karen's comfort quilt, ran errands... there are never enough hours in a day! Spent the evening tracing for fusible applique... this will be a fun quilt!

I also did some cleaning up of the studio. I have been following Pat Sloan's Organization 101 facebook discussion group. Some great ideas for getting my studio under control! I have lived here since mid July, and am still struggling with layout and flow.

"Quilt it Out"

2009-04-06T15:15:00.003-05:00

My Gammill is tuned up and running smoothly... and I am enjoying quilting a very old quilt. From 2000? My first two quilts turned out pretty well, at least to my uneducated eye... but the next two didn't fare so well. So, I signed up for a class at Heirloom Quilts, Poulsbo WA. Like many others in the area, my first real quilting class was with Norma Tipton. Too bad for me, I missed a couple of the classes, and never quite got the 1/4 inch thing, nor the 'press' not 'iron' lesson. Not Norma's fault at all...and I learned many other things from her later. I did not ever complete the sampler blocks, and some time later put the log cabin blocks together using the most uniform, and added a border. I always wanted to quilt it, because of the sentimental value. So, I put it on the frame this weekend, and am treating it as a custom quilt with a nice, fluffy batting to help those wonky blocks. Whatever the outcome, the quilt has a sentimental value and will be used and appreciated!