To Thank You
You have been lifesavers to my family and me.
As I sit down to write this note the tears are already filling my eyes which is a sign that I made a better decision to write to you than to video this message as I had originally planned. You have been lifesavers to my family and me.
A week after I was released from the hospital in December, my dear friend Liza Lucy (loaded with several variations of her homemade chicken soup recipes filling a 60 pound bag) came to visit me at Pickle Road. Liza brought a surprise along with her, our dear, dear friend Meg Cox. Other than Mr. Electric and the gazillion doctors and nurses, Liza and Meg were the only two human faces that I saw and had the opportunity to speak with face-to-face since being admitted to the St. Barnabas Transplant Unit in mid-October as I was in isolation due to ‘white blood cell minus’ and was in tremendously vulnerable to any bacteria or virus.
After a few much-needed laughs and catching up, the conversation became very serious. Liza and Meg had discussed the financial burden of being hospitalized for almost 3 months. I had been so ill, even thinking about finances never even entered my head.
Yes, I do have medical insurance through Mr. Electric’s job, but Meg and Liza assured me that even with good insurance the co-pays for specialist after specialist, operations, medications, etc. would be astronomical. With me not being able to work and even contribute to just buying food at this point, they worried whether we would lose our house.
One of my personality defects is that I can be very prideful and have, throughout my life, refused to accept anything from anybody. It’s difficult for me to even ask someone for or accept a simple favor. Maybe it’s growing up in the Rust Belt? Maybe it’s because I started working at a very young age? Maybe it’s because I’m so darned independent, what Liza and Meg had been planning, then proposed, literally stopped me in my tracks and made me face my worst nightmare–I had little to no control of my health, my ability to make a living, and and how I might pay these exorbitant bills. I was embarrassed. Meg and Liza wanted to start a GoFundMe MARK LIPINSKI’S RECOVERY FUND campaign to help us out. After much stomach churning and a lump in my throat I acquiesced.
Mr. Electric, protecting me from stress and to help me heal, did not want me to worry about the money and wouldn’t share with me any of the bills that were from oncologists to surgeons to medications. One day, I opened one of the many bills that I found in a pile on the kitchen table – – just my room and board was well over $100,000 than what we paid for our house! Liza and Meg were right. The bills, huge bills, keep rolling in.
It was hard for me to imagine and difficult for me to swallow that anyone would want to, but did, contribute generously to the GoFundMe MARK LIPINSKI’S RECOVERY FUND campaign. This has been an important lesson in accepting help and gratitude. It has also taught me a lot about my own spirit of giving.
Many of the donations were given anonymously. I don’t know who you are, yet you contributed to my well-being. How do you even begin to thank the myriad of strangers, friends, current and former co-workers, former students, organizations, fellow teachers and fiber artists, and Facebook friends for this kind of generosity? And the comments . . .
I have tried many times to read the comments that were left with the donations, and I can’t get through the first couple of pages without great emotion. I will read all of them, I promise, as soon as I can.
I am so grateful to those of you who were able to give with an open heart. I can’t tell you how much that means on both an emotional and practical level.
Just know that all of the ‘Thank You’s” in the world will never be enough. So I will end this note, with great humility and love, as I began it:
You have been lifesavers to my family and me. xoxom
ARTspiration
Artists or art that turns me on and feeds my muse! Like it or dislike it, what about this art inspires your own art or creativity? This painting is by artist, Mexican artist Alejandro Colunga. For more about the artist, Click here:
http://kvsmith.com/?p=29
YOKE DU YOUR
Bob was in trouble. He forgot his wedding anniversary. His wife was really angry. She told him “Tomorrow morning, I expect to find a gift in the driveway that goes from 0 to 200 in 6 seconds AND IT BETTER BE THERE!”
The next morning he got up early and left for work. When his wife woke up, she looked out the window and sure enough there was a box gift-wrapped in the middle of the driveway. Confused, the wife put on her robe and ran out to the driveway, brought the box back in the house. She opened it and found a brand new bathroom scale.
Bob has been missing since Friday.
DESIGNspiration
Look around you. Design is everywhere! How can you incorporate the beauty that surrounds you into your art or craft? Doorknobs on a clothes shop on Queen W, Toronto, Canada.
IDEA I LOVE
I love embroidering French knots and I love Colonial knots, as well. Here is a little lesson in the art of candlewicking, that is just making a bunch of embroidered knots to create wonderful designs on fabric. Here’s where to begin:
http://www.wikihow.com/Do-Candlewicking
VITTLES!
Beer-Braised Baby Back Ribs with Orange-Tamarind Sauce
INGREDIENTS
RIBS
bottles of lager
racks baby back ribs
carrots
celery ribs
onion
SAUCE
bacon fat
onion
garlic cloves
fresh ginger
orange juice
ketchup
cider vinegar
light brown sugar
strong-brewed coffee
sambal oelek or other Asian chile sauce
unsulfured molasses
tamarind concentrate
Dijon mustard
Worcestershire sauce
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Vegetable oil, for brushing
FOR THE FULL RECIPE, CLICK HERE: http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/beer-braised-baby-back-ribs-with-orange-tamarind-sauce
IDEA I LOVE
I love blogger Abby Glassenberg although I don’t think I have never met her. Abby is that new generation of fabric sewist/maker/author who calls it as it is, sometime sweetly and sometimes in your face, confronting issues that need to be discussed within the sewist/quilting/designer industry (which I just love and find totally refreshing). This cute, heart–holding frog is from Abby’s blog, While She Naps. Here is how to make one for the little boy or girl in your life as a Valentine surprise:
http://whileshenaps.com/2015/02/free-frog-plush-pattern.html
SO DRINK, CHUG-A-LUG CHUG-A-LUG
The Classic Mai Tai
Ingredients:
rum
freshly squeezed lime juice
orange juice
Amoretti Premium Rock Candy Syrup
orgeat
A prep time of approximately 5 minutes is required to make the Mai Tai. After mixing all the ingredients together, we suggest chilling it in the refrigerator for approximately 3 hours. Feel free to serve your Mai Tai over crushed ice, and to garnish it with a mint sprig.
For the Full Recipe Click Here: http://amorettiblog.com/retro-cocktail-recipe-the-classic-mai-tai/
IF YOU HAVEN’T SUBSCRIBED TO THIS BLOG YET:
Several months ago, Facebook, without warning, had implemented a new business model. As a result, the vast majority of “LIKErs” who have been faithful readers of this Fan Page have been blocked from receiving my posts, time and time again, from getting all or a few of the postings onto their timeline feed.
The reason is, Facebook would like pages like, Mark Lipinski’s Fan Page, to pay money every day, and on every post, in order to advertise and lure readers like you, onto the Fan Page.
With out “BOOSTING” a post, only about 5% of people who clicked LIKE on MARK LIPINSKI’S FAN PAGE are actually seeing anything I post — and it could be random – sometimes you get a post, and sometimes not. Basically, it sucks for all of us. I am finding that we are all better served if I posted my tips, ideas, links, and jokes, etc. to this blog. You can subscribe to this blog (only if you want to) to get an email each time I post a grouping of ideas, links, etc. and never miss a chance at inspiration.
IDEA I LOVE
“Give this heart-shaped Scrubby to make their dishwashing or bathing a time to remember that they are loved. Choose from any of the wonderful shades of this yarn…no one says crochet hearts have to be red!”
Click here for the free crocheted pattern: http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/valentine-scrubby
FASHIONspiration
Wow! I went gaga over this taffeta Oscar de la Renta floral embroidered gown. I immediately put my shoes on and thought about heading out to my local silk ribbon joint to do a little living embroidery myself. Since I am flat broke, I decided against it animal just have to rummage through my stash to find the silk ribbons that I already have! This dress costs a mere $8,490.00. Unless you, your self are going to run out for yardage of taffeta and silk ribbons, you may order the dress here:
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/Oscar-de-la-Renta-Halter-Neck-Floral-Embroidered-Gown-White-Multi/prod183960399_cat56440732__/p.prod?icid=&searchType=EndecaDrivenCat&rte=%252Fcategory.service%253FitemId%253Dcat56440732%2526pageSize%253D30%2526Nao%253D0%2526Ns%253DPCS_SORT%2526refinements%253D456&eItemId=prod183960399&cmCat=product
IDEA I LOVE
This idea might be really crappy for your chompers but I’m going to try it anyway. After all it can’t be any worse for your teeth and gums and than those damn whitening trays and megadoses of peroxide whatever. For all of you in the dental industry out there, I know you’re cringing. For the recipe to whiten your teeth, click on the link below:
https://tidbitsfrommarcus.wordpress.com/2013/04/25/how-to-get-snow-white-teeth/
WORDS TO LIVE BY
IDEA I LOVE
What a way to address update a sweater or T-shirt with a little weaving. I love the look of this and we have just about enough of winter left to be able to complete this project and look ultra stylish and hip into spring. For how to do this just click on the link below:
http://www.gina-michele.com/2015/08/how-to-weave-your-own-patches.html
IDEA I LOVE
Yes, I’m all rug junkie too. This is a terrific way to recycle your unwanted stash and have something to show for it rather than just reorganizing you’re selling space for the millionth time. Take a little time during the remainder of the grey weather to create a little woven rag rug. You will find a tutorial by clicking on the link below:
http://www.craftpassion.com/2010/03/recycle-tutorial-woven-rag-rug.html/2
MAN CAN LIVE BY BREAD ALONE!
HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
unbleached, all-purpose flour*
Imperial Sugar Extra Fine Granulated Sugar
baking powder
kosher salt
salted butter, melted and cooled
sour cream (not fat free)
eggs
lemon
lemon juice
lemon extract
coconut extract
sweetened shredded coconut
Glaze
Imperial Sugar Confectioners Powdered Sugar
heavy cream
lemon juice
Sweetened shredded coconut
FOR THE FULL RECIPE, CLICK THE LINK: http://www.imperialsugar.com/recipes/category/breads/Lemon-Coconut-Quick-Bread
MEMBA’?
It’s Mason Reese! He was a pretty big name about 50 years ago an was all over television. I remember coming home from school and he was co-hosting The Mike Douglas Show! He was most popular, however for his Underwood deviled ham commercials. Memba’ him?
IDEA I LOVE
I loved this little cat as soon as I saw it. Make yourself a whole litter out of many different colored fabrics. It will cure your longing for a dozen new kitties, and save you some bucks on Fancy Feast and tons of litter. For a pattern and directions, Just click on the link below:
http://dollmaker.nunodoll.com/cat/terrycat.html
SWOON
A girl’s dance coat*; made from blue/black (indigo dyed?) wool cloth; tabby woven (warp faced) by hand. The flared ‘skirt’ is made from 15 narrow panels. The sleeves are open at the underside, reaching to the elbow. The centre front opening, sleeves and the upper back contain geometric embroidery, chiefly lines of linked diamonds, worked in cross stitch, using white, orange, purple, green (2 tones) and black silk threads. The sleeves are also decorated with lines of applied triangles, cut from coloured, tabby woven wool fabric and other applied fabrics. Clear glass (?) beads are stitched to the sleeve hem and opening. Embroidery on the upper back, centre, includes a predominantly red embroidered cross, framed by two predominantly green crosses. Each of the pleats is emphasised by an embroidered chevron pattern. The lower centre front and the hem have applied bands and triangular shapes, in both cotton and wool cloth: predominantly red and green. Small vents at each side. Braiding stitched to all edges; applied gold-coloured metal wrapped thread (and ribbon made from same material on each sleeve). [* woman’s jacket?] http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?assetId=258448001&objectId=1672201&partId=1
SHAMELESS PLUG
TAKE A QUILT BORDER CLASS!
Get ready for Labor Day, Autumn, Halloween, Christmas and more by adding interesting borders onto panels, or simply learn the technique to make beautiful and themed borders for your own quilt designs or to change up a pattern.
ALL ABOUT PRAIRIE POINTS CLASS!
In All About Prairie Points with Mark Lipinski!, Mark Lipinski – fabric designer and quilter extraordinaire – shows you how to add prairie points to the borders of your quilts for a fun and exciting finish! Prairie points may look intimidating, but really, they’re simply folded triangles added into the border of your quilt. Learn how to add prairie points to your quilts with and without binding, as well as prairie points that are staggered and saw-tooth prairie points. Tune in for this wealth of prairie point information!
You’ll Love This Quilting Video If You:
Want to add excitement to any quilt
Would like to learn more about adding prairie points to your quilts
In All About Prairie Points with Mark Lipinski!, You’ll Learn How To:
Cut and fold your prairie points
Add variety to your quilts with different styles and sizes of prairie points
Sew prairie points onto a quilt without binding
Adjust prairie points on your quilt top for a balanced design
Pin appropriately for easy sewing of prairie points
Add traditional binding to a quilt with prairie points
Stagger prairie points along a border
CLICK THE LINK TO REGISTER:
ALL ABOUT PRAIRIE POINTS CLASS
Easy Borders, Pt. 1: Braided & Cathedral Window Borders
In Easy Borders, Pt. 1: Braided & Cathedral Window Borders, Mark Lipinski – nationally known quilt teacher and former cohost of Quilt Out Loud – shows two deceptively simple and addictive borders, the Cathedral Window and the Braid. Instead of adding plain borders, elevate even the simplest quilt top to a work of art. Mark uses humor and creativity to teach both borders step-by-step, making this a great video for beginning and advanced quilters. After you learn these borders, you will want to make them again and again.
You Will Love This Video If You:
Want to add new borders to your skill set
Enjoy making your own artistic choices
Have been intimated by the Cathedral Widow or the Braid
In Easy Borders, Pt. 1: Braided & Cathedral Window Borders, You Will Learn How To:
Make beautiful braided borders
Utilize two methods for piecing Cathedral Windows
Use a basting stitch
Techniques Demonstrated In This Video:
Strip-piecing
Creative fabric folding
Hand-piecing
CLICK THE LINK TO REGISTER:
Easy Borders, Pt. 1: Braided & Cathedral Window Borders
Scalloped Edges, Wavy Edges and Bias Bindings
In Scalloped Edges, Wavy Edges and Bias Bindings, Mark Lipinski – fabric designer and quilter extraordinaire – shows you how to approach curves, scallops and wavy edge bindings with your quilts. Not only will you learn tips on how to add bindings, you’ll also learn how to cut your fabric properly, use a bias binding and embellish your binding. Mark will give you an educational and entertaining lesson on all things curvy binding! What a treat!
You’ll Love This Quilting Video If You:
You’ve made a quilt but are unsure how to bind it
Want to add something special to a quilt with a bias, curvy or wave binding
In Scalloped Edges, Wavy Edges and Bias Bindings with Mark Lipinski, You’ll Learn How To:
Work a curved corner
Tell the difference between a scallop and a wave
Choose between a straight and bias binding
Learn when and why to use a bias binding
Approach bindings in a whole new way
CLICK THE LINK TO REGISTER:
Scalloped Edges, Wavy Edges and Bias Bindings with Mark Lipinski
And now a word from our sponsor . . .
IDEA I LOVE
This knitted bird caught my eye and I love it. If only I were a better knitter. As it stands, my knitting needles have become tools to prop up my spring tomato plants. I don’t know how anyone could resist knitting this feathery friend. If you were so inclined to knit yourself a gaggle of Tippy Hendren nightmares, click on the link below for instructions:
http://cache.lionbrand.com/faq/551.html?utm_source=20110701_July01&utm_medium=Emails&utm_campaign=Weeklynewsletter&utm_content=StitchMotif-KnitBlueTitBird
COOKIES!
RAINBOW MERINGUE COOKIE POPS
Ingredients:
egg whites
cream of tartar
peppermint extract (OR almond or clear vanilla extract)
sugar
disposable decorating bag(s)
size 1M tip(s)
paint brushes
food coloring (rainbow colors)
white candy melts
disposable decorating bag
lollipop sticks
FOR THE FULL RECIPE, CLICK HERE: http://thedecoratedcookie.com/2016/01/rainbow-meringue-cookie-pops/
IDEA I LOVE
While I was in the hospital recently I have never had so many people praying for me in my life! It must work, because here I am (keep praying, it’s not over yet). When I came across these a little prayer boxes made from Altoid tins, I thought it worthy of passing on. What I really love about this project is that it includes a small pad of paper and a pen so you can write your prayers out on paper. Writing things out has a way of clarifying and solidifying your intent whether are are you are a prayerful person or not. Here is how to make your own prayer box:
http://travelersdream2012.blogspot.com/2013/09/diy-altoid-tin-prayer-boxes.html
BE DAZZLED!
This 18k Rock Candy Sofia Fall Rainbow Necklace is from the Rock Candy® Collection necklace by Ippolita. It’s made from colorful gems like clear quartz, amethyst, blue topaz, green gold citrine, mother-of-pearl, London blue topaz, peridot, pink tourmaline, green amethyst and turquoise. The cost for this regal beaut is $10,000.00. To order one for yourself (or to direct your hubby to a Valentine’s gift), click on the link below:
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/Ippolita-18k-Rock-Candy-Sofia-Fall-Rainbow-Necklace-16-5-L/prod183640163/p.prod
PATCHWORK, BABY!
This quilt definitely caught my eye. It’s made from Robert Kaufman fabrics and it’s called Kona Crossing. I love the placement of all the colors and the haphazard look of the crosses. I am never make a quilt using someone else’s pattern but this might be the exception. Here is the link to be able to download this pattern from the Kaufman site:
http://www.robertkaufman.com/quilting/quilts_patterns/kona_crossing/
SHOEspiration
I was none too happy that I found the shoes as part of a show that highlighted designer,Tabitha Simmons’ spring 2016 shoes. These floral beauties don’t appear to be on the market yet, But keep your eyes open come the warmer weather. I’m sorry to say that I have no idea how much they’ll cost but, for me, the inspiration alone is priceless.
PHOTO CREDIT: http://www.theglassmagazine.com/tabitha-simmons-floral-designs-for-ss16/
PHOTO CREDIT:http://footwearnews.com/2015/fashion/designers/tabitha-simmons-spring-2016-shoe-line-photos-159606/
IDEA I LOVE
Here’s the pattern for simple embroidery for making these Valentine paisley hearts, to hang or to simply Frame as a trilogy of hand embroidery. For the embroidery pattern click on the link below:
http://embroidery.about.com/od/Embroidery-Patterns-Projects/ss/Paisley-Hearts-3-Piece-Pattern-Set.htm#showall
IDEA I LOVE
Immortalize your little Boots or Spot by turning their image into a little pillow. This is such an easy and fast project. I’m no longer have a cat, because of my kidney transplant, but I might consider making colors of my dogs, Tulip, Petunia, and Violet — and add to the mix, the smiling pillowed faces of Mr.Electric, our son, and myself. Here’s how you make one:
http://www.decoist.com/2014-10-17/diy-custom-cat-pillow/
LOL
IDEA I LOVE
Whip up several of these little felt and fabric heart sachets for your drawers and closets. I love the look of these. Oh, to hell with her drawers and closets, I think these hearts would be pretty hanging from doorknobs, arranged in a bowl or basket, or even as ornaments for a Valentines Day “tree” or Christmas tree ornaments. Click on the link for the tutorial:
http://www.flamingotoes.com/2015/01/diy-fabric-heart-valentines/
MUST DO
DESSERT!
Warm Chocolate and Caramel Cakes
<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-21621" src="https://marklipinskisblog.files.wordpress.com/201