Monday 15 May 2023

Spring Blossoms, EPP Plus Quilt, Sad News

   The spring season is progressing in all its glory. The White Trilliums are in bloom. They are the Ontario provincial flower and the state wildflower of  Ohio. 

And the wild Dog Violets are in bloom too.Very plentiful this year so the rains we had earlier must have helped them.
I now have sewn this project, the EPP Plus quilt below, to the size that I'm happy with minus borders. 42 x 52 . I will really miss stitching these blocks in front of the tv every night.  It's bumpy-still has its' cardboard templates in.

My Rainbow house in pink is taking shape. Hopefully it will be finished this week. Thank you all for the kind comments about my Dresden block. Such a fun little block to stitch. No I didn't have a pattern; I just drew it out myself.
Sad News 
While things have been going along fairly well, we had bad news last week. We received the news of two sudden deaths, one a best friend to older grandson and the other, younger daughter's mother in law. As family do, we have spent our time doing our best to help out daughter with babysitting and dog sitting, etc. In the case of my grandson, there is much for him to absorb and accept and we will continue to support him in any way we can too. 
I don't need to tell you life is both precarious and precious.

 This is a very old piece cross stitched by Mom many years ago. 
She is still and always will be with me in one wonderful way or another. 
Hope you all have a wonderful week enjoying the season in your part of the world.
 

27 comments :

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

it is always hard loosing loved ones and when they come unexpected it can hit hard. All you can do is be there for them. Love your projects

Susie H said...

Truly sad news for your grandson and daughter. You summed it correctly when you said life is precious and precarious. The picture of the trillium is very sweet.

Nancy J said...

Sudden, no time to prepare for the grief, or with some time to be ready, sadness is everywhere these days. Love your Mum's stitching, I have a small tablecloth, white linen, stitched with a pale teal blue, I think my Mum would have stitched this before they were married in 1937.Some of the embroidery threads are wearing very thin, but, like you, it is a treasure.

Chopin - A Passionate Quilter said...

Very difficult times for you grandson and daughter. I love the saying on your Mother's embroidery saying - it is so true about the Seasons of Life.

Still love that basket and those houses! Hugs

Julierose said...

So sorry to hear about your losses--very difficult--
I LOVE your EPP crosses--did you find these difficult? I need a new handwork project and this looks really like something I would like....
Hugs, and comforting memories, Julierose

Jenny said...

So sad for two family members to be impacted loosing someone close. As you say, you are doing all you can to help them both.
Haven't you done well with your plus blocks!

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

Love your blooms and that plus quilt , too! It's a lovely design, Jocelyn, and a very good size. I'm so sorry to hear that your daughter and grandson had those losses. Hard especially for a young person to understand. Your pink house is looking great - have just been working on a turquoise one this afternoon!

Brian's Home Blog said...

The blooms are sure looking pretty and that colorful quilt is beautiful!

Jackie said...

Thanks for sharing the lovely Trillium picture with all of us. I haven't seen one since we left Ontario too many years ago.

How wonderful that you have a stitchery that your Mom did. I bet you cherish it as much as I do the few items I have that mine did.

God bless.

Anonymous said...

Such sadness for your grandson and daughter. My sympathies.
Your EPP plus signs look great!
The trilliums are out here too. Gail at the Cozy Quilter

Magpie's Mumblings said...

My sympathy to your family members. It's so much more difficult when it's someone so young.
Your Mom's cross stitch sentiment is one of my favourites. God allows things we simply do not understand but he has a purpose that we just can't see.

Jenn Jilks said...

That is so sad. Good for you for providing support.
Your needlework is wonderful.

Rosemary Dickinson said...

So sorry to hear about your losses. I'm sure your support is greatly appreciated. Love to see your mother's needlework. What a treasure!

Linda said...

I'm so sorry for your grandson - it does seem harder for them at that age - and for your daughter on the loss of her MIL. Oh how precious are those things stitched by our mothers - that one is beautiful. The Trillium is beautiful - is it fragrant too? I just love your Plus quilt. Have a wonderful week Jocelyn!

grammajudyb said...

I’m so sorry your daughter and your grandson are having to experience loss and the accompanying grief. Especially hard for young ones!I know that they appreciate your support. What a pretty flower that trillium is. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen one before! Bittersweet to be finished with your EPP project. It’s nice to have some slow stitching to do in the evening.

Bonnie said...

Your mom’s cross stitch is beautiful and the phrase says a lot to the current sadness around your family. Hopefully your steadfast support will help them during this time.

LA Paylor said...

I'm sorry to hear the news... the message is important... live while you're alive
LeeAnna

Michele McLaughlin said...

So sorry for the losses and sending hugs. Your projects are wonderful and I love that pink block you are working on! I love your trillium and violets! So pretty and cheerful! Have a safe and happy weekend Jocelyn!

Vicki in MN said...

So sorry of your families losses, so hard to understand. Sending good thoughts and prayers your way.

PaintedThread said...

I'm sorry for your losses.

I love trilliums. Not many right around here, but we have tons of those dog violets! Your EPP plusses look great.

Cloudia said...

My prayers and condolences are with your family. I'm sure you are comfort to them.

Pat at Bell Creek Quilts said...

Sorry for your family's unexpected losses! Life is indeed precious! Your plus quilt and cross stitch are lovely.

piecefulwendy said...

I'm behind on posts, again, but wanted to say that I'm sorry about the sad news your family has had. Those are both difficult to work through, and I'm glad you are there to help out.

Brenda @ Songbird Designs said...

I'm so sorry for your family's losses, Jocelyn. Life is definitely precious and precarious, as you said. The EPP Plus quilt is lovely, as is your pink house and Dresden block! Thanks for sharing with us at MM.

Sylvia@Treadlestitches said...

You are so right, life is both precarious and precious. All the more reason to enjoy it while we have it, and share our love with the ones close to our hearts. Your trillium photo is perfect, and I love the violets, even as they invade our yard and flower beds. The EPP project is intriguing and delightfully scrappy!

Alycia~Quiltygirl said...

Your Epp Plus quilt is a great finish!!! It looks very complicated! Sending hugs to you and your whole family - what a blow

Jennifer Fulton Inquiring Quilter said...

Your EPP quilt is so adorable! Love the colors in it. And that Dresden block is so cute, and clever. Such a unique take on a traditional dresden. Thanks for sharing on my weekly show and tell, Wednesday Wait Loss.