Saturday, November 21, 2015

A Flight Over the Rainbow Bridge

It's been a challenging week here in The Magpie's Nest. Most significantly, my little canary passed away. His health had been sort of up and down the couple of months. I've only had him for 4.5 years but he must have been at least a year older than that because male canaries don't sing until they're a year old. Seems like a pretty short lifespan, even for a canary. I'm hoping the next one will stick around longer. I keep glancing at the empty cage, expecting to see that bright bit of yellow.



It was a struggle but I managed to get the two sets of blocks sewn into flimsies for the twins (see previous post). All week long I had trouble getting seams to line up properly! The tops still need borders before I can call them finished. I just didn't have the heart or the brain power to work on that. I made up some friendship blocks for members of my local guild and puttered around with more postage stamp stars.


Gayle, please note the yellow Grandmother's Choice block in the middle of the bottom row. It will be all of five inches square when finished. ;- )

My favorites of this bunch are these two 8" stars:




This morning I've made up a couple of Ohio Stars out of leftovers.

9" Ohio Star

12" Variable Star
The center patch of this star features a cut of the Gettysburg Address.

I'm linking up with the other Rainbow Scrap bloggers and looking forward to learning what Angela has planned for next year. :- )



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18 comments:

  1. JulieroseNovember 21, 2015 at 12:38 PM

    Love that yellow star too...I am casting around for a block to make for my RSC16 year. I tend to choose one block and make it in all the colorways. I tried making up different blocks, but got too stressed and overwhelmed.
    So sorry about your darling birdie... :'--(((
    a shame. My Tante Cecile always had a canary and I used to be so thrilled to go to her house and hear it sing when I was a child. I hope your new baby bird will fill your heart with joy....hugs, Julierose

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  2. Deb @ Frugal Little BungalowNovember 21, 2015 at 12:51 PM

    I don't think I've ever NOT had troubles getting seams to line up so your post made me feel so much better about myself! :) Lots of pretty blocks here and so sorry about your sweet little canary.

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  3. gayleNovember 21, 2015 at 1:25 PM

    Now how did you know that little block would be calling my name? (And oh crap, that one would be fun for RSC, wouldn't it? Now you've bitten me back!)
    I love all your blocks, but especially those Ohio stars. Now that I've finished my rainbow Ohios, I find myself missing making them...

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  4. QuiltdivajulieNovember 21, 2015 at 1:40 PM

    LOVE that large yellow Ohio Star block with the sewing pins background - wonderful!!

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  5. Mystic QuilterNovember 21, 2015 at 2:19 PM

    So sorry to read about your little canary, their singing is beautiful.
    Your design wall looks a treat, so much going on there, I love Ohio Stars.

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  6. AngieNovember 21, 2015 at 3:14 PM

    Sorry to hear about your canary - I love birds and have always enjoyed canary song when I am lucky enough to be around one. All your stars are marvelous - I would have a hard time picking favorites!

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  7. LA PaylorNovember 21, 2015 at 5:08 PM

    oh my friend... so sad about the canary. They are with us such a short time...

    as for seams not lining up... grr....I fell your pain.
    Leeanna

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  8. The Joyful QuilterNovember 21, 2015 at 6:30 PM

    Lovely bunch of blocks you've got there!!

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  9. AnonymousNovember 21, 2015 at 10:53 PM

    Oh Sue, what a sad time you've had! He may not have had a long life, but your little yellow friend gave pleasure every time he opened his mouth, unlike so many others... I hope you get another, or you'll miss the cheerful song. Loving your blocks, especially the yellow on black version, which is so zingy!

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  10. tialysNovember 22, 2015 at 12:14 AM

    I've never had a pet bird myself but I know how heartbreaking it is to lose a dog or cat so I can empathise. I think your two favourite blocks would be mine too.
    Hope you feel better soon. x

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  11. scraphappyNovember 22, 2015 at 3:35 AM

    So sorry to hear about you beloved bird. So many pretty blocks in progress.

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  12. CathyNovember 22, 2015 at 4:37 AM

    What a great variety of blocks. I think I have some of that Gettysburg fabric!

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  13. PaulaB quiltsNovember 22, 2015 at 7:27 AM

    So sorry about the loss of your sweet canary. I can picture him, a bright yellow, flying away and over the Rainbow Bridge. Your little yellow block can be a reminder of him.

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  14. Sally TrudeNovember 22, 2015 at 7:54 AM

    What wonderful blocks. I'm so sorry about your canary. I hope you will have more canary song soon.

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  15. KateNovember 22, 2015 at 4:30 PM

    Beautiful blocks, looks like you've been busy. Sorry about your canary.

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  16. AnonymousNovember 22, 2015 at 6:21 PM

    I'm so sorry about your canary. That does seem like a short life. I know you have many good memories and songs to remember. Your parts are great! I do like the sunny yellow one - sort of a canary reminder.

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  17. RaewynNovember 25, 2015 at 1:21 AM

    I'm sorry to read about your little mate, Sue. I love all your stars...your design wall looks delightful! Roll on more scrap challenges!!

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  18. SheilaNovember 27, 2015 at 12:55 AM

    So sorry to hear about your bird. He was beautiful.
    Love your stars! They are on my list.

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