Welcome from Centennial, CO

Welcome from Michigan.

There is a book in our local library about making quilts from ties and it has several pattern templates.

I mentioned it later, but our local library has a book on making quilts from ties and several template patterns.

That's a great reason, and will be special for your granddaughters.
Make sure to plan it first, hard to change after you've cut, can always be any design, just incorporate the tie fabric.
Hang in there and sorry for your loss. :)

Welcome from Arizona!

Welcome from Oregon.

Well, I bit the bullet and started. I went to a sewing store, bought supplies like the rotary cutter and cutting board and started cutting today. I'm going to make a dresden plate quilt with 48 squares. I cut out two squares today and am going to try to get up each morning and do at least one. The only problem I have is that it hurts my back while bending over to cut. I can't seem to do it sitting down. Any suggestions? i'm open for pointers.

I'm a beginner too. I've read quite a lot and read that if your table isn't high enough, it will hurt your back. I also go to physical therapy for my spine and my physical therapist told me that if you're taller than 5', your table should be around 36" high, give or take a couple inches, depending on how tall you really are. If you're under 5', she said go with a table 32" tall. Since I have a lot of spine problems, she told me to take frequent breaks and stretch and do my exercises that she has assigned me. Hope this helps.
CherylR

Welcome from Oklahoma with a Massachusetts accent. So happy you could be here. There is always room for one more quilter.