Cherry House Quilts

The end of hibernation - and a give away!

It was 77 degrees in Houston yesterday, and I had to turn on the AC, so that means that hibernating is over, and I'm back in action. A more accurate statement would be that I'll be visible again...there is lots to share...new magazine projects, a big project, a personal project - I can't wait to share them all!

To start off this new year right (almost 2 months late) I've got a free book for you, Sonoma Rose from the author Jennifer Chiaverini. The kind folks at Penquin Group are offering a free copy, and I wanted to share it with you!

How to win? Leave a comment about why 2012 is going to be a great year for you. The give away will end on 2/26/12, and Penquin will mail the book directly to you. This contest is limited to those in the US and Canada only.

I cannot wait to share my reasons for loving 2012 - it's going to be a good great year!

xoxo,

Cherri

 

December already???

Okay, who said it could be December already? Wasn't it just December, didn't we just put up the Christmas tree...like last week? The years go by quickly, but this one has been a blur.

While 2011 has been challenging, at the end of the day (and year) I can honestly say that I'm grateful for it all. I've been given an opportunity to honestly look at my life, to see what is wonderful, to see what is unimportant, and to change what I need to change. I'm looking forward to 2012 both personally and quilt wise...lots of exciting things in the works that I can't wait to share.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all ♥

xoxo,

Cherri

All roads lead to Houston

For the quilting world all roads lead to Houston, and I'm so happy to be here! I can literally walk to Quilt Market and Festival from work, which has always seemed like such blessing, considering how far so many of you must travel to get here.

Just to give you an update, I'm on the mend...time seems to be doing the trick! Thank you for your kindness and concern; I will be forever grateful for the outpouring of support that I have received from this community. My #1 goal after getting well, is getting back to quilting, sewing, designing, and getting back into the blogging/tweeting/flickr groove.  I've missed you all so much!

I hope to see lots of you at Market!

xoxo,

Cherri

 

Passport, Tickets, Money

"Passport, tickets, money", this is a line from one of my all time favorite movies Shirley Valentine! This is also the name of my suitcase quilt, which I am working on, after too long of a delay. Thank you for your emails giving me a little push, telling me how much you want to make this quilt for the traveler in your life. I'll be using Kona Cotton solids for the background, and Moda Crossweaves for the suitcases.

 

I can't wait to get it made, and make the pattern available to you!

As soon as I have an update on the pattern, I'll let you know.

xoxo,

Cherri

P.S. Thanks for your continued concern over my headaches...they are not improving, and the medical procedures which I've undergone seem to not be working. While I am discouraged, I'm not giving up hope. My Melissa is home from Johns Hopkins Nursing school, and while searching for a job, she is acting as my own personal nurse. Wonderful healthly meals, and nightly walks have been started, and I believe (like Tinker Bell), and have faith that wellness is within reach!

Just call me the tin man

Why would you call me the tin man?

Could it be that I'm staring in an off Broadway production of The Wizard of Oz? No

• Because I've taken to wearing a funnel on my head?
• Possibly
• Could it be, because it's been so long since I've blogged on a regular basis that I feel quite rusty? Yes!

I am a rusty blogger, who knew there was such a thing? I won't apologize, it's all been out of my control, but sadly I do feel a bit tin man-ish...somebody pass me the oil quick!

Here's the thing - in the last year, I've shared with you the most embarrassing/personal events in my life. First, I fall in the lake trying to take a freaking photo, and share it with the world (embarrassing); then I check myself into a hospital for depression, and share it with the world (personal). It's like we've gone on a date, and I've told you way too much, and now I'm not sure where we are suppose to go from here. Maybe the best way to look at it is, even when you think it's the end of the world; it isn't...and that horrible saying 'what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger'...it's not actually a horrible saying, it just reminds me of Steel Magnolia's. So, can we start this dating relationship over again? I won't share too much, and I won't stay away so long. I think that is how we should proceed...yes, no, you'll think about it, and get back to me?

Before we start our new deal, I will share a few things (no more lakes or hospitals) since many of you have asked...

• The headaches are not gone, the shots didn't work, and now my doctor is trying another procedure. It will involve 2 outpatient surgeries...I sincerely pray this will fix the problem
• My depression is under control...thank heaven for medicine and good doctors

Thank you so much for your kindness, support, and patience with me through this whole ordeal. It hasn't been fun (not in the least), but I've learned a lot of lessons because of it.

much love,

your rusty trusty tin man

Cherri

Calling All Quilters! You answered, THANK YOU!

Back in March, I sent out a request for quilts for little ones in need. You answered with love, generosity, and quilts; I thank you with all my heart ♥

I've asked Heather, president of the Baltimore Modern Quilt Guild to do a guest post about the quilts, and the program.

You can download Heather's post here, I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did! Did you see your quilt in the photos? I saw mine...so fun! Download SEEHS QUILT DRIVE

Thank you again! As you can see from the photos, our quilt drive was an overwhelming success! We've touched the lives of these families in a positive, and loving way...that's what quilting is all about in my book.

much love,

Cherri

 

 

GRAZIE MILLE

Or thanks a million; whichever you prefer! Your emails and comments of support, and sisterhood in the depression and headache club have meant the world to me, thank you so much! UPDATE FROM THE NEUROLOGIST: The diagnosis for my headaches is Occipital Neuralgia, something about nerves from the spinal cord, up the neck, over the scalp being very unhappy. According to the doctor 75% of the people that have this, have headaches at the back of the skull; I fall into the other 25%. I was given 4 steroid shots at the base of my skull where the nerves are...holy hell, that was horrible!!! I'll go back in two weeks for another set of four shots. The doctor thinks this should take care of the headaches...hallelujah, what a blessing that would be, seriously; what a blessing!

Okay, I'm losing sleep over the batting giveaway, so this is what I'm going to do...the first 12 entries are the winners...that's it, if you are one through 12 you've won! Email your mailing address to me cherryhousequilts at gmail dot com, and I'll forward it on to the great folks @ Hobbs Batting. Thank you for your patience over this, longest contest ever, right???

Have you received your Summer 2011 issue of Quilts & More? Did you see my quilt on the cover? This is the quickest, and best quilt to make, plus; it's just so cheery!  The Piece of Cake girls are selling kits for this quilt in case you want to make one just like the magazine.

What else? I know there is more, but my thoughts are foggy, so I'll save it for another day.

xoxo,

Cherri

 

Expectations

Dear Friends,

In my recent post regarding my diagnosis of depression, I was apprehensive, and a little afraid; having no idea what to expect from sharing something so personal. What I received was an outpouring of love and support that exceeded all my expectations. Your comments and emails have touched my heart.

I sincerely, and gratefully thank you for your incredible kindness during this challenging time. Knowing that I could be honest, and share what was really going on, has a lifted a burden that I haven't known how to carry alone. I had two doctors appointments yesterday, both assured me that I'm on the right track, and I'm moving in the right direction. The next step to finding out what is causing these headaches...eye appointment, sleep study, then the neurologist.

This blog is about quilting, and I'll get back to that as soon as possible...I miss it, and I'm itching to sew. Thank you again for your understanding, and your kindness. Many of you have shared your journeys through depression, and I'm grateful for your openness...a new sisterhood I didn't know existed.

much love,

Cherri 

Where to begin...

My dearest friends,

This is completely personal, and not quilt related; by the end of the post I hope you will understand my sharing this bit of my life.

A week ago I checked myself into a hospital for severe depression, and it was the best thing I have ever done for myself. THE ONLY REASON I SHARE THIS is in hopes of helping someone else who may be suffering. I've suffered with clinical depression off & on throughout my life, but due to the headaches I've been having since February (and are still unresolved) I finally got to the end of the road. My upbringing is all about getting over your problems, pushing ahead, not feeling sorry for yourself, and moving forward. Well, I had tried all of those things, until I just couldn't try any more. I went to my family doctor, and he suggested that I check myself in a hospital specializing in what I was going through. Normally I would have fought the suggestion, and said, "I'll be fine, it's okay"; because that is the standard answer in our family...but not this time, I was too exhausted, and too tired of fighting.

So I drove to the hospital, checked myself in...it was not what I was expecting! I thought I would get to sleep 12 hours a day, and get feeling better...no sir. We had lots of group therapy, individual therapy, and one on one sessions with doctors. What a blessing walking in that door was for me...and hopefully my family.

Currently I'm in an outpatient program for the next two weeks - what a blessing this is as well. The staff at this hospital couldn't be kinder, and more genuinely concerned with my well being. In case you're wondering, my diagnosis is Major Depressive Disorder; I was grateful it wasn't anything more serious...not that this isn't serious.

So, that's where I've been, and that is what I've been up to; for once in my life, I'm taking care of myself. My Mom has been here for the last month, and I couldn't be more grateful for her kindness and support. Ashlee is coming in today, and I cannot wait to see her. I'm heartbroken about not attending market in SLC, but that is okay; there will be another one in less than 6 months.

I still have to have the batting drawing, which I haven't forgot about about; plus our quilt along show & tell. Thank you for your patience, your kindness, and your concern about my headaches. I've felt your prayers and I'm more grateful than you will ever know. Going through all of these challenges, I knew that I was never alone.

much love,

Cherri

p.s. the reason the blog post say Lizzy House at the top, is that Lizzy & I share a typepad account. If it's signed Cherri; then you know it's me...the Mom, not the daughter.

p.s.s. Start looking for the new copy of Quilts & More Summer 2011...there is a quilt on the cover from yours truly ♥

 

I didn't forget, I promise!

Remember the drawing that I was suppose to have on the 31st to give away 12 crib size rolls of Hobbs fusible batting, and obviously didn't? I didn't forget, I promise, I really didn't. The truth is I'm going for the worlds record on who can have a headache the longest, and so far I'm at about 6 six weeks. I've had more doctor appts & tests than I can count, and more still to come. So, if you don't mind, just leave some more comments about batting, or about headaches, or why you like me so much (kidding, kinda), or whether you realize that my daughter Lizzy House (artist, and fabric designer extraordinaire), and myself Cherri House (owner of Cherry House Quilts, designer of all Cherry House Quilts patterns, and author of City Quilts) are actually TWO DIFFERENT PEOPLE...Mother (me) & Daughter (her). Peeps are confused by this all the time.

Thank you for your patience, your prayers, and good wishes! As soon as I have an ounce of energy, I will draw those 12 names, and get your prizes moving in the right direction ♥

xoxo,

Cherri