I looked back at my blog and realized that my last post was April 20. that’s just a little over four months ago. I’m a little surprised it’s been that long. The time has flown by.
It’s been a good summer, but a little crazy as well.
Congress voted to eliminate federal funding for public media so my job as a fundraiser for public TV and radio has been a little nuts the last few months. We had a lot of planning and preparing to do in anticipation of the funding cuts. Once they happened we jumped into gear and executed a vast array of fundraising campaigns. The good news is that Oregon loves its public media! the community has really stepped up! The crazy amount of work has eased off a bit but we still have a lot to do. I sure never thought my last year of my career would look like this.
On top of that, It’s been announced that I will be retiring in December. It’s so hard to believe that it’s just a few short months away. And then I’ll have so much more time to do what I want to do. But it’s a hectic time making sure all my ducks are in a row before that time comes. I’m really looking forward to it!
Since my last post I’ve done a few things in my sewing room. Mostly tasks that have needed to be done, but not much creative work so far. Still waiting for those creative juices to start flowing again.
I added borders to two quilts to get them ready to be quilted. This Jewel Frames quilt is for my bed. It’s been sitting and waiting for quite some time.
I just did a simple wide border of the Jade millefiori fabric. I wanted this quilt a little bigger because the one I have on my bed now shrunk up more than I had anticipated once it was quilted and washed. I want this one to be plenty big.
The second quilt I added borders to is the yellow and brown Japanese X and + quilt that is for my guest room. It needed significant borders to make it the size I want for that double bed. So I added three borders. the inner border is of this lovely big leaf fabric.
I think I have enough of this left over to make pillow cases for the bed.
Here’s all three borders.
I wasn’t going to add the green spot border because I didn’t want to wrestle all that fabric for another round. but it really needed it.
Here’s the quilt top on the bed. It’s generous!
And a close up.
This fabric combo is not for everyone but I love it!
I still need to make the backings for these two quilts.
The next thing I made was a set of pillow cases for my friend who I gifted my blue swirly quilt to. She loved the blue feathers fabric so it seemed like a no brainer.
A set of pillow cases make a really nice gift.
Tonight I started chopping up my woven stripes quilt blocks (from my last post in April) because I wasn’t loving them. So I’m cutting a 2.5 inch strip off each side and will sew them back together.
I managed to slice up all 40 blocks this evening. At least I think there are 40 blocks. It will be pretty fast to sew them all.
I’m sure I’ll like it better with the blocks sliced up.
We’ve had a nice summer. It’s hot right now… over 100 today. But the summer has generally been really nice. I had ripe tomatoes earlier than I have since I’ve lived in Portland. I ate my first ripe tomato the first week of July!
I’m also really happy that the raspberry bushes I planted last spring are producing fruit right now! I wasn’t expecting much in their first year, but I’ve had several breakfasts with them already and they are soooo good!
They are putting my strawberries to shame. I will tear the strawberries out and plant more raspberries.
My brother and his wife were here a month or so ago and I gifted them a quilt and let them select which one they wanted. They surprised me and selected the one I call my black quilts. Here is it hanging from the loft in their house.
I love it there. I doubt it will stay there because it will get a good deal of sun. But it’s a great place for a quilt.
I’ve been playing a LOT of pickleball. Seriously, at least six times a week this summer. I’ve also been taking a weekly lesson and am feeling really good about how I’m playing. I even played this morning before it got too hot and had some really great games. I ran into a former co-worker there who I haven’t seen for years! We got to play a few games together and had a blast!
I have one more week of work and then two weeks of vacation. My friend will not be coming since I have so much to get done to be ready for my December retirement. It will be good to have some time off I really need it.
agilejack 
So good to hear from you. I miss your posts!
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So good to hear from you. I miss your posts!
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It’s so nice to hear from you! Since you’ve not posted here or on the Kaffe Facebook page it’s been evident that your world has changed. It’s so nice to hear that your state is able and willing to keep public broadcasting funded. Thank goodness! But you will need the breather once you retire.
The projects you’ve worked on are wonderful as usual. Love the pillowcases!
Be well and don’t make yourself crazy between now and December.
PJ Kytlica 805-660-4400
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You have been missed. Welcome back. You’re going to love being retired. Your time will be your own. How are the dogs doing?
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Hi
You have been in my mind. Congrats on next. Your pickle ball was one of your best maneuvers.
I am 74 years old and want to try for another year because i can still help folks. On the other hand i need to downsize and simplify .
If you need help walking through medicare let me know. I coach folks through state and federal programs. No cost to you. U were one of my life lines during stress of pandemic and staying engaged in care of elders.
If you have login.gov established the rest is linear and similar to your campaigns.
Best. Pat
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Good to hear from you. Your quilts are so beautiful and colorful.
Best wishes on the fund raising. You have been in my thoughts as news of the funding cuts rolled out. As a long time supporter not my local public media, I am very disappointed in Congress, and not just for this decision.
And, I hope your retirement is as wonderful as mine has been. I look forward to seeing more of your dogs, quilts and pickle ball adventures.
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Hi, Anne. I’ve missed your blogs, and have wondered how budget cuts have affected you, I’m so glad the community has been so supportive. You will love the extra time retirement will bring…congratulations! I am picking up my Blue Swirly from the long armer today. I am inspired by your lovely pillowcases, the sharksteeth small border looks 3-D and I love the movement. Guess a bit of shopping is in order. Thank you for always providing that nudge. Take care! Pam
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Hey! Good to hear from you! I love the bright colors of your Jewel Frames! Your tomatoes and raspberries look so good! I hope the last few months of work are less stressful and enjoyable for you. I miss Bender and Rico and you ❤️
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Glad you’re back! Congrats on your upcoming retirement; we call it graduation!
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Good morning! I am so glad you are back. I have truly missed you, and am thankful you are healthy and looking forward to retirement. Sincerely, Terry Ginter
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Glad to hear you’re ok. I’ve been missing your newsy missiles….
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How are the boys?
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Woohoo! So gre
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Thankful to see a blog from you! Was really worried you were ill! I’ve always gotten so much inspiration from you. So happy to hear you’re retiring … You’ll enjoy the freedom that retirement brings .
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Thankful to see a blog from you! Was really worried you were ill! I’ve always gotten so much inspiration from you. So happy to hear you’re retiring … You’ll enjoy the freedom that retirement brings .
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Hope you’re back more regularly now!
Sent from my iPhone
Laurita M Hack, DPT, PhD, MBA, FAPTA
215-808-3787
60 Seminary Ave, Unit 272
Auburndale, MA 02466
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so glad you are still blogging and creating the gorgeous projects with, of course, Kaffe. Take a deep breath. You will make it to December and then you will have so much time to do your ‘thing’. Looking forward to all the beautiful projects to come.
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wonderful to hear you have been busy enjoying the summer. I love the third quilt you posted, it really is beautiful. Until next time,Sarah
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Life changes are never ending! Such a mixed bag of blessings and sadness. The threat to Public Radio is creating angst, I am heartened by your work to fund one of the venues that give us hope for the country at large! Thank you for hunkering down and getting it done before your official retirement. I am looking forward to hearing that you are enjoying more time for creative work and rest soon. Blessings…Susi B , Cincinnati Ohio
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Wow, thanks! I do feel good about the work I’ve done for my career… much more meaningful to me than just raising money to put it in someone’s pocket. I also feel good that I’m leaving with a strong fundraising program and an amazing team. But it is a risky and dangerous time.
Anne
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Nice to have you back.
I’ve also taken much time off in my sewing room since Christmas….only having done a few things here and there.
You were always a great inspiration so I look forward to your retirement days . Congrats on that!
Nancy
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Where do you purchase most of your Kaffe Fassett fabrics?
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I buy from local stores when I can. I do sometimes by from online stores: All About Color Quilting, glorious Color, Sew Colorful, Fenwick Fabrics, and others. There are a good number of online shops that sell the Kaffe fabric.
Anne
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We’ve missed you! But have also been fundraising for things we love – including public broadcasting. You’ll love retirement.
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We’ve missed you! But have also been fundraising for things we love – including public broadcasting. You’ll love retirement.
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We’ve missed you! But have also been fundraising for things we love – including public broadcasting. You’ll love retirement.
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We’ve missed you! But have also been fundraising for things we love – including public broadcasting. You’ll love retirement.
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it’s so good to hear from you again Anne! Love your posts and always enjoy seeing what you are making. You will love retirement…you’ll be busier than you can imagine
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Nice to hear from you. Missed your blogs!
Sent from my iPhone
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So glad to see your post! Have been wondering how you were. Really like your plus a d minus quilt.
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So glad to see your post! Have been wondering how you were. Really like your plus a d minus quilt.
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So happy to hear from you! I just retired in April and I’m loving it. I am sure you will enjoy your retirement and certainly hope that you do! It’s giving me lots of time to sew. I am so inspired by your work!
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How are your dogs? I miss getting updates on them. I love to see the beautiful scenery on their walks. Good to hear from you again.
Barbara
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Thank you for checking in! It’s good to hear that you’re doing well. I’ve been thinking of you because I’ll be in your area in a couple weeks and plan to visit some of the quilt shops you’ve recommended. I retired 12 yrs ago and it’s been so fun doing what I want to do rather than what I must do. I wish you all the best!
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so good to hear from you again. Funny ,that I was thinking about last week and how I haven’t had a post for a while. Didn’t think it was so long ago. You keep me inspired to make purses and to use my Kafe fabrics!!! Thank you! Diana
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Congratulations on your retirement, I know you will have a million adventures I have thoroughly enjoyed all your posts Keep on keeping on….. 🌻
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I just wanted to tell you I missed your emails, I know how hectic life and work can be. I’m also retiring in January am I am looking forward to much more quilting thank you for all the fabulous ideas you’ve sparked for me and here’s hoping there will be many more to come. Jen Hoover RN
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sounds like you did have a busy summer and busy fall coming up. I’m sure you are anxiously waiting for your retirement. We are too, lol. I miss seeing your posts and catching up on the dogs and your beautiful quilts. Hope the rest of the year goes smoothly and fast.
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I always enjoy reading your blog, Anne! I love what you did with the quilts. Glad you are well, active and creative too. And yay for upcoming vacation!
From Susan R in Bandon (formerly in Bend)
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I’m happy to see your recap. I miss the quilting projects.
Susan
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all your quills were colorful and beautiful and make me happy. Congratulations on your retirement and continue good luck with the pickle ball. Thanks
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I’m thrilled that your retirement is in sight. Between your dogs & quilting you will be as busy as ever. Enjoy yourself! And please, keep sharing with us, your loyal friends & fans.
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Good to hear from you, Anne. Congratulations on the pending retirement. I hope it was your choice and not due to the budget cuts. You’ll enjoy retirement as you don’t lack for interesting things to do. I hope the boys are doing well.
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Hello Anne!I was so glad to see your ema
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So good to hear your voice again. I’m glad to know that all is well for you at work in spite of the tragic loss of federal funding for public media. With all of your interests, family, and friends, you’ll hopefully have a smooth transition into retirement. And I love looking at your quilts and your pieces of projects, both original and re-done. Enjoy those raspberries! Leslie
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So happy to see you posting once more – you have been missed.
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SO GOOD to hear from you again, Anne!Thanks for all your pictures, but WHERE arethe dogs?!? So unlike you.Can’t wait for you to retire! You’ll love it.SherylSent from my iPhone
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It was good to read your blog again! What pattern did you use for your guest room quilt, please? It is hard to make it out due to all the prints in the fabric which I like. Thanks.
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the pattern is the Japanese X and + quilt. I shared the free tutorial I used somewhere on my blog. If you go to my blog and search for “Japanese” you will get a lot of posts with that quilt. Can probably also find several different ones with a Google search.
Anne
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I was so happy to see a new post. I’ve been checking regularly. Glad to see you and the pups are doing well. I saw th
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We have missed you. Good luck with the last few months of work. Retirementvis grand.
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Nice to hear from you!
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Guess what? You are just great. We love you and yes work is work. So you are here catching us up and you know how happy we are to hear from you.
Everyday it seems something demands our attention we hadn’t planned for. The garage door is stuck down, but the Good news the car is outside. Hope Phew.
We are women hear us roar. Suggestion: take 15 min every day for you. Do a little 15 minutes Tai Chi here’s a link. On about a week you will notice the difference. I love you and all you are.
Will add the link.
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