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Monday, November 17, 2025

Quilty Stuff First


It's completely honest to say that I have never had so much hexie stitching time in one trip as this one!

I have hexies coming out of my ears...not to mention all over the couch and coffee table.

And this is why a handwork project is so valuable when we are doing things like helping someone with recuperation time -( or in my own klutzy nature my own recuperation time!) or when visiting parents over an extended period of time.

When doers can't be busy doing "other" things - our hands need to be busy at least doing "SOMETHING!"

Are you that way, too?


Nor only did I complete enough units to add the last longest diagonal row to the hexie mothership while with Jason in Vancouver -


I have spent so much time watching TV with my butt on the couch at my 85 year old dad's place (Not a complaint - I am so happy to be here!) that I would lose my mind if it weren't for the hexies.


We have taken time for walks through the green space area in Sun Lakes.  Sometimes more than once a day to keep him moving and to breathe in some fresh air, feel the sun on our shoulders and say hi to the other folks walking dogs.

I'm so happy to get any kind of dog time on a daily basis!


We stopped for a selfie to send my brother to wish him happy weekend.


And Dad wanted a photo of me by this tree - so okay.


But once our walk was done it was back on the couch, feet up on the recliner side, and thimble on, baby. Guess what is happening here?


I took over dad's floor laying out the next diagonal row to assemble.  Yes, I'm on the downhill side now, but that row was long!


Joining this beast of a row to the mothership.


It might look difficult, but just focus on one hexie side to one hexie side.  Do two stitches in each corner to keep corners snug and tight.  Then readjust the next hexie side to hexie side.

It feels like baby steps - but it will get you there.


It's on! But there is still loads to go.


And I may complain a bit - but I really do love it. If only this quilt could talk about all of the places I've worked on these motifs.  All of the places I've stitched while sitting on a bus in some foreign country. All of those stitches know the worries of a mother, of a daughter of elderly parents, of the day-to-do stresses and joys of a lifetime of living.


This quilt knows it all.

(And the grumpy cat fabric cracks me up!)

My dad keeps telling me that I need to take up meditation and how good it would be for me.  What he doesn't realize is that quilting IS a meditation. Every fabric choice. Every stitch.

Meditation doesn't have to be just sitting there in silence clearing your mind. The act of quiet mindful stitching is so good for my soul.

Look at what it has gotten me through in just the past year.

This motif is underway for the next step=down diagonal row.


I've been counting my many blessings this extended trip from Vancouver to Sun Lakes.  There are so many.

This trip is winding up, though - I'm headed home to Virginia tomorrow.  It will be after midnight by the time my head hits the pillow at home.

And our Lupine & Laughter Part One goes live on Friday, 11/21/25!

Are you ready?


Quiltville Quote of the Day -

Is there piecing in your plan for today??⁣

However you spend it, have a great one!

Have a marvelous Monday, everyone -  


 

15 comments:

  1. Anonymous11:23 AM EST

    Oh Bonnie!! YOU inspire me, first with your energy, then your positive attitude, your love of fabric and sewing, your kindness, your caring for others. I so want to be like you when I grow up….I’m 84 😂 🤣 🥹. Keep up the great work on your daily notes to us. Blessings on you today.

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  2. Maybe, when I get home from town. Quilt Guild day. Gotta go for a ride. Love the fortune cookie quote. Glad you are with your dad. I miss mine! Happy Monday, on the countdown to Friyay!!!

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  3. Mary Slenski12:05 PM EST

    That hexie quilt is a generational heirloom!

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  4. Anonymous12:19 PM EST

    Have you ever said how you make your hexies? There are so many ways. Glue baste or sew baste Type if stitched used to join. Would be very interested to know. Thank you. So happy your son is doing well.

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  5. Anonymous12:49 PM EST

    Handwork is definitely my meditation! Knitting, quilting, embroidery. I also call it my therapy! When my mom was in and out the hospital before she passed away it was what kept me sane. I always accompanied her with some sort of handwork.

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  6. Anonymous1:05 PM EST

    I'm a firm believer in keeping our hands busy. It's more important than we believe and/or understand. Love today's post, Bonnie. Darlene in AZ

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  7. That hexie project is *amazing*; I'd have given up after (or maybe during) making the first diamond! I'm so glad you had a good visit with your son and that he's recuperating well, so that you were able to visit your dad too. And yes...I'm looking forward to "Lupine and Laughter"!

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  8. Anonymous7:03 PM EST

    Your hexie quilt is a blessing to us all. Hand piecing and applique are certainly my best stress relievers. You are an incentive to everyone. Keep up the good work, caring for others, love of nature, etc. Thank you for your daily sunshine in all our lives. Bobbi in NY

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  9. Oh, the stories that quilt would tell! It's definitely full of good stuff. Glad to hear you are enjoying your time. Yes, I am ready for the first clue, but it will have to wait until Sunday before I can get around to it!! HAHA! Safe travels on your way back home~

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  10. Today's quote is soooo perfect. Sewing pieces together gets me through every time !

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  11. Foong Ming Lee10:34 PM EST

    "All of those stitches know the worries of a mother, of a daughter of elderly parents, of the day-to-do stresses and joys of a lifetime of living." (Bonnie Hunter)

    I so, so, so love this line of yours, Bonnie. Yes, if only our stitches could talk and share about the places we have been to, the thoughts we dwelt on and the music we listened to as we "meditate" with our sewing hands!

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  12. Anonymous11:26 PM EST

    My grandmother started a hand stitched hexi flower garden quilt many, many years ago (she passed away in 1989). My mother had a shoe box with some finished blocks and lots of fabric and cardboard templates and my niece planned to finish it. She hasn’t found time to work on it and I found out today she wants me to take on the task. I’m thrilled but also just a little anxious. I haven’t done much hand stitching but you’ve inspired me when you said you just need to stitch two hexies together, then do two more. Wish me luck!

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  13. I could not agree with you MORE, stitching is meditation! I consider stitching part of my wellbeing, and it has brought me peace for decades. Safe travels Bonnie

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  14. Your Hexie is coming together beautifully! Love the pic of you and your Dad.
    Hugs, Jenny

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  15. Anonymous4:15 AM EST

    I am a knitter who plays at quilting, so I usually have some sock knitting with me. There was a woman named Elizabeth Zimmerman who wrote wonderful, folksy knitting books. During Watergate, she advised that we "Knit on, with confidence and hope, through all crises." Better advice was never given!

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