Monday, March 8, 2010

Bordering on insanity...

Not really...I have not lost it yet. But I will say, borders many times are much more work than the body of the quilt, at least for me. I have just a little bit more to go on this zig-zag border, and the quilt top will be done. I have emptied my one and one half inch strip and square bin to make this little quilt, so I can say I have busted some stash! Little bits...but hey, every little bit used is good, right??




********************Nursing Notes*******************************


We recently had a Marine in the hospital, retired...he was in for bypass surgery. I recovered him from surgery, and all of the sudden about 2 hours out of surgery, I lost his blood pressure. Fluids, pressers, prayers...nothing was working!! Then all of the sudden it all came back and all was hunky-dory.

Flash to yesterday...4 days post op. This patient, who is an older man, was doing just peachy. No problems, all his lines out, waiting to go home, really. He all of the suddenly went grey, eyes rolled back, lost his pressure, passed out...for no discernible reason again!!! Hmm, I have no idea what is happening with this guy...but something majorly is the matter. I refused to transfer him out until the doctor came and evaluated him...in trouble again, I guess, but that was the right thing to do for the patient. It was funny...a big biker gang came in to see him. Tattoos, black jacket, jangling chains, the works! I checked them out pretty well before I would let them in...and all their clothing proclaimed that they were marines too, retired. I guess they just all ride motorcycles together, but they were sure menacing looking, from a distance! A more respectful, nicer bunch of guys I have never met..."Yes, Ma'am, and anything we can do for you...". Just nice!!!



Have a great day!!! Really...please do!


Julie

43 comments:

Sue-Anne said...

I am loving that border! It is turning into a really cute quilt. I totally agree with borders taking far longer than you think.

I wish we had more caring nurses like you where we live. Love the story about the bikies, just goes to show we shouldn't always judge on first impressions.

Angie said...

All of your quilts are just gorgeous, Julie! I hope your patient stables out again; maybe just the sight of his biker friends will clear up any unknown ailments. :D

kimland said...

Liked the quilt pre-border, but LOVE the quilt post-border.

country mouse said...

The border looks great! Whenever I think I'm losing it, I just think "Hey, I must not be doing too bad, I still have a mind to lose" right? LOL :cP
You did the right thing not releasing that patient, to just pass out like that, I would hope any nurse I would have would do the same. As for the bikers...just goes to show you can't judge a book by its cover ;cD

Pat said...

That border is WONDERFUL......enlarged the photo to see if I could figure out how to make it and I can't. LOL About the patient, I hope they figure out why that is happening. Otherwise, I'd be afraid it could happen to him when he is not near medical help or when he is behind the wheel of a car driving down the road. Very scary NOT to know why something happens, in my opinion. Good for you for standing your ground! (And I trust the doctor did NOT find fault with you doing that?)

Amelia said...

Oh but that border is looking great...won't be long until it is complete.

Strange about that man...hopefully the doctor can determine what is causing this condition to occur. You did the right thing (in my opinion).

Nancy said...

Another beautiful quilt. I think it wants to live at my house. ;oD

Jeanne said...

What a great use of your scraps! I love the blocks and border.

Sue H said...

I agree -- pieced borders are like making another quilt altogether! This border is so worth it, though, and really complements the quilt.

Danielle said...

The border just makes the quilt! It's so pretty, and bright! Hope your marine is doing better... sounds like he was lucky to have you taking care of him.

Nines said...

I find that true of borders, also. They can be such a bother- but they look so nice!

Sandie @ crazy'boutquilts said...

Love the border on your scrappy quilt~ it is adorable! Wow, that would be so scary for the patient and his family! I hope the Dr ran a few tests~?

Rose Marie said...

Wow ... love that border and your blocks .... what size is this quilt to be if you are using 1-1/2" strips?

Elaine Adair said...

Your border is soooo worth it! It finishes the quilt. Good work!

Michelle said...

That border will definitely be worth the time and effort you're putting in -- it lookes great!

Sharon said...

That border is just perfect for your little quilt...great job! I know the border is a lot of work, but so worth it.

Quilter Kathy said...

Every little bit sewn is a little bit less in the stash...it all counts! Great border on that little quilt!
I don't know how you keep your cool in the face of these life or death scenarios you deal with...wow!

Helen in the UK said...

Loving that little quilt! Small pieces must use up more stash proportionaly because of all the seams!! Keep up the good work :)

Barb said...

your border is awesome....just makes the quilt!

Kaaren said...

Love the scrappiness of this quilt and I'm really taken with the border, Julie. It's awesome!

I think I might start calling you "Florence"...as in Nightengale. There will be a special place in heaven for you my friend.

The Calico Cat said...

I agree - borders are a lot more work than the body of the quilt. Even when they are plain jane.

Lori said...

All the work on the border is going to be worth it. It is looking fantastic!!

Jan said...

What a perfect border for that little quilt, but sure looks like a lot of work! Way to go! I love "hearing" your nursing stories!

Cheryl said...

Great zigzaggy border..wonderful quilt. That fellow is lucky to have you watching over him. Fun story about his buddies.

Cheryl said...

Great zigzaggy border..wonderful quilt. That fellow is lucky to have you watching over him. Fun story about his buddies.

Sharon said...

LOVE the border you are working on, this will really make the quilt top! and yes, it's not your imagination, borders are time consuming and very important on quilts. Someone once told me she was 1/2 done when she had cut out the blocks. I think I'm 1/2 done when all the blocks are pieced and on the design wall.

Teri said...

Great border treatment. I am usually too tired to do something fancy when it comes to the borders. I admire others that can do it!

Quilts And Pieces said...

Oh that quilt is wonderful! The border does look really good on it, so I"m glad your hacking away at it!

*karendianne. said...

What a great, fantastic border. You should be so proud! I think it speaks to your personal talent *(and endurance) to get that on there. Right on, friend.

Gosh Julie, reading about your latest patient crashing then coming back... whew! I caught myself HOLDING MY BREATH.

Jenni said...

Your fellow is a bit of a mystery, but it seems he has nice friends!

Pokey said...

This is a great border, worth the extra work!
You know you can't judge a book by its cover, Julie. We had to attend the funeral service of a fallen soldier, and were a little uncomfortable when 20 Hell's Angels filled the parking lot. We asked our pastor about it, and he said they were there to keep anti war activists from bothering the family members.
When we left there, we spoke to every one of them that was in our path. Good people come in all shapes and sizes.

Unknown said...

I love that quilt, just beautiful! The border is just the right touch too. What a story about your patient. I hope he stabilizes soon. Scary situation.

Teresa said...

The quilt looks great! I love that border, need to try that some day.

Pat said...

Your quilts are truly beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

mkhquilts said...

Julie-Thanks for your comments re:my possible job change. I appreciate the supposrt.
Really love the little quilt your working on.
Mary

Floss said...

The border really adds to this little quilt.
bikers can be some of the nices people, but you wouldn't know to look at them.

Becky said...

Love the white fabric you chose for your blocks and sashing. It provides a great contrast for your colors. Wonderful quilt!

Kate said...

What a great blog you have, Julie - I love it and will visit often!!! great quilts...

Anonymous said...

Hello Julie, love the border....wow factor again Julie.....hmmm my brother is a bikie.....and I tease him mercifully...but I know if I was in strife he would gladly bail me out...love your stories...hugs lyn

Unknown said...

Julie, llove your little quilt. How big is it?
Did the Marine get to go home? Funny howe those things cam happen. Those bikers can be scary but most of the time are great guys having fun.

Ginger Patches said...

I love your zig-zag border...I love pieced borders. I actually prefer making pieced borders over plain ones. Borders are one of my least favorite parts of quilt making, when they're pieced they don't feel like borders but more like making the top. That's awesome that you've emptied a bin!!!

Stephanie D said...

That little border is adorable! It might be a lot of work, but it looks so right on that quilt!

Mrs. Goodneedle said...

I love your mini quilt, it's great! Stash busting is stash busting, however small the pieces! Well done~

The ex-Marine story is a great one regarding jumping to conclusions and appearances; I'm happy that you shared! Thanks.

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