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alleyoop1 11-19-2010 06:09 AM

God bless you as you care for your mom with Alzheimers. I did the same and it's not easy. If anyone offers to help - take them up on it because you will need more than just grocery shopping time away from caring for her. I turned to the church for help and had several wonderful women come by each week to "visit" with mom. Find a "lap" project that you can pick up at a moments notice to keep you sane.

feline fanatic 11-19-2010 06:35 AM

I just recently got the book Crazy for Scraps. It has some really cute scrap quilt patterns, ideas, tips for sorting and organizing scraps etc. I got it from connecting threads. Maybe it can offer some inspiration for your scraps. Also having them all mix matched up in 3 bins may make them seem overwhelming and daunting. Like mad quilter suggested, maybe take some time to just sort them by color or maybe by dark medium light. I use zip loc bags to try and keep them under control. I also cut into strips for a scrappy log cabin that has been a WIP bordering on UFO for years. Here is a link to the book.
http://www.connectingthreads.com/boo...s__D45069.html

I don't know how bad your MIL is but maybe sorting a pile of scraps by color might be something she can do with you?

Connie Merritt 11-19-2010 06:50 AM


Originally Posted by nursie76

Originally Posted by Julie in NM
So much is up in the air which is probably why I'm lost. DH may be taking a new job which will require me to quit my little job and stay home with Mom..alz patient. I'll try to hire someone to come in and stay with her a couple hours a week so I can get groceries.

Try contacting Office of the Aging in your area. They are a wonderful resource for the elderly or those caring for them. Best of luck.

Office of the Aging is a great idea. Could you also try a parsonage because they very often have persons who volunteer to help in cases such as this. I know because my church's volunteers got me back to life by visiting me and taking me on short drives to start. I know your situation is different but try and don't be afraid to ask for help. Good luck to you and prayers to for your Mom. Remember to take care of yourself.

patdesign 11-19-2010 01:24 PM


Originally Posted by Julie in NM
on what to do next. Have books, mag, patterns, fabric. Lots of pics of quilts, too. I think the problem is I want to get rid of scraps and having a terrible time. Scraps are in 3, yes 3 HUGE containers with no rhyme or reason. Most are small and I want to get rid of them. Some are odd sizes. Don't send me to Quiltville...nothing there trips my trigger either.

So much is up in the air which is probably why I'm lost. DH may be taking a new job which will require me to quit my little job and stay home with Mom..alz patient. I'll try to hire someone to come in and stay with her a couple hours a week so I can get groceries.

I have to quit ordering fab cuz it's not matching anything that I have.

Think maybe I'll just put all the fab away and work on my Santa redwork that I have from Bird Brain Designs. I feel like a bird brain so maybe this is apporiate. When everything calms down, I'll be able to sew again. Think maybe drinking too much coffee may be bothering me too...but it tastes sooo goood!

See! Even my thoughts are rambling. Right...redwork it is! After I walk on the tread mill for a mile....need to work off my belly!

Thanks guys!!

Heres one to add to your to do list. Learn how to bake sourdough bread! When the sewing gets too intense, thats what I do from scratch. Just takes everything into perspective. :-D

CoriAmD 11-19-2010 01:31 PM

First off, my understanding with your dealing with your Mom's ALZ - DH's aunt is suffering with this and we see the turmoil.

2nd, I too have been in a "funk" for a couple weeks - today I just told myself - Self - you are going to do something!

So I pulled the rag quilt blocks off the design board and started sewing. Now all I have to do is clip and it's done! Wheeeee.

Next I want to work on some bookmarks I am making for friends for Christmas. They are small so will go fast and I will feel like I have accomplished something. Maybe you can find a small project that goes quickly. Sometimes, it's harder to start than to do.
Good Luck! :) {{HUGS}

quilting librarian 11-19-2010 06:24 PM

I have also been having a hard time figuring out what to do and a friend suggested a mystery quilt. So when Bonnie Hunter's Roll Roll Cotton Boll Mystery Quilt was posted here I thought I would give it a try, as I have been thinking about making a quilt in those colors anyway. (Bonnie is famous for her use of scraps.) Even if you didn't want to do it now, you could save the "clues." Here's the link:
http://quiltville.blogspot.com/2010/...l-yardage.html

Isn't this a wonderfully loving group? Prayers for you in caring for your mom.

madamekelly 11-19-2010 07:07 PM


Originally Posted by smiles
Gayle can you explain what you meant by OMG LOL

Maybe she didn't see the line that said "don't send me to quiltville.........

Julie in NM 11-19-2010 07:45 PM

Ok got it figured out. I'm slow but I eventually get where I want to go. Most scrap quilt pattern seem to use chunks, FQ, half yard cuts of fab. I want to get rid of itty bitty. So...drum roll please....since we are not having a house full of company on Thursday, I will get my freezer bags out and start...ready...SORTING BY COLOR AND SIZE!!! Too small...trash...oh painful I know...and since sorting by color, will be easier to see what I have and will b/a to do planned scrap quilts. My goodness...see what sleep and a good meal or two will do for brain power.

We're always up by 6ish so I'll be able to start early on this project. Poor DH...he gets scard when I start sorting. Afraid he may end up sleeping on the couch!@

All better. Just love the shoulders you've let me lean on.

Connie Rae 11-19-2010 08:05 PM

What on earth is a crumb block???

FabricHappy 11-19-2010 08:48 PM


Originally Posted by Julie in NM
on what to do next. Have books, mag, patterns, fabric. Lots of pics of quilts, too. I think the problem is I want to get rid of scraps and having a terrible time. Scraps are in 3, yes 3 HUGE containers with no rhyme or reason. Most are small and I want to get rid of them. Some are odd sizes. Don't send me to Quiltville...nothing there trips my trigger either.

So much is up in the air which is probably why I'm lost. DH may be taking a new job which will require me to quit my little job and stay home with Mom..alz patient. I'll try to hire someone to come in and stay with her a couple hours a week so I can get groceries.

I have to quit ordering fab cuz it's not matching anything that I have.

Think maybe I'll just put all the fab away and work on my Santa redwork that I have from Bird Brain Designs. I feel like a bird brain so maybe this is apporiate. When everything calms down, I'll be able to sew again. Think maybe drinking too much coffee may be bothering me too...but it tastes sooo goood!

See! Even my thoughts are rambling. Right...redwork it is! After I walk on the tread mill for a mile....need to work off my belly!

Thanks guys!!

Like you, I too have a "ton" of scraps. However, I have found sorting through the fabric scraps & compiling different sizes,shapes ie. strips, squares, triangles, small,med.,lg,etc has been very therapeutic for me. in fact, the more I do it, the more intrigued I become. I'm planning to make scrappy log cabin, crazy quilting, etc. I work part-time & have a 27 yr old special-needs daughter remaining at home, out of our 5 kids. She requires 24/7 care. Thankfully, she goes to adult daycare for 6 hrs, Mon thru Fri. So, I can relate to how you feel, being a fulltime caregiver. Also, it has helped me work through my grief at burying our youngest daughter a year& a halfago(age 23,due to a motor vehicle accident). I find myself thankful for all my wonder blessings & I hope to pass blessings on in the form of quilts, especially "scrappy" quilts. Hope that helps you feel better in being able to vent here! Take care!
:lol: ;) :thumbup:


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