Christmas 2010

This year has flown by so fast that I can't believe it's Christmas already. I celebrated Christmas last Saturday with some of my family and had Christmas lunch and afternoon with my Nephew Philip, his wife Melissa, my great nephew Jake, my mother and Melissa's family. I'm looking forward to a relaxed day today after the busyness of the last few weeks. I have spent far too many late nights cooking and sewing. Christmas eve I was up until 2am (yet again!) making mini Christmas puddings, mini mince pies and some special chocolate crackles.

I am also looking after a dog for some friends for a week. He's a big Labrador who is well behaved but just a lot bigger than my Charlie. I took them for a walk last night - they look like a mismatched pair sitting side by side at the curb.

This year I decided to make presents for some of my great nephews and my great nieces. It was a good in theory but something I should have thought about starting earlier in the year. I spent many a later night sewing rabbits, sheep and bags. I haven't made many toys or bags before but really enjoyed making these things.

I made these rabbits called 'Pocket and Floss' by Melly & Me. I gave one to a lady at work who had a little girl. I gave her 'Pocket'. I gave 'Floss' to my cleaner's little granddaughter for Christmas. She is looking after her grand daughter full time while her daughter is trying to get help for a drug addiction.

'Black sheep, White Sheep' also by Melly & Me are for Lachlan and Lucus. For some reason I had in my mind I was making cows.. well I guess at 2am it does get a bit hard to know what your making!

I saw a pattern for bags earlier in the year. I loved the bright colors so decided to make these for Sarah, Hannah and Olivia. The pattern is called 'for the girls.. Little Frilly Bag and Love your Heart Bag' by Janelle Wind.

It was lovely to get this photo sent to me of the children with their presents.

Where to start.. so much happening and so many things on the go

I have returned to work after 10 weeks off with my foot. I had a large screw and a graft in an attempt to heal the fracture. The operation was 2 years and 6 days from the date of the accident. Unfortunately the last x-ray taken six weeks after the surgery didn't show any signs of the bone healing so it's looking like I'll need further surgery on it. I have another x- ray and see the doctor in December so will see how things are going then.

I found this operation and I think the build up to making the decision really took a toll on my body. It wasn't helped by the delay in getting back onto my arthritis injections which meant I had a flare up at the same time. I felt emotionally and physically drained so after talking to my surgeon I decided to get away for a while so was lucky enough to be able to go to Canberra for two weeks which was a fantastic break before returning to work. I loved staying with my niece Ruth and her family, Josh (husband) and the girls, Sarah, Hannah & Olivia. I felt very welcomed and with staying an extended time it meant I got to know everyone much better. It was also great to spend time with my nephew Jonathon and his wife Melanie and my great nephews, Lachlan and Lucas. I also loved meeting Lucas and had lots of cuddles.

I have been working on so many things recently. My time has been spilt between working on Jake's quilt - I only have 1 and a bit more blocks to quilt, Lachlan's quilt, my block of the month, needle felting animals & sewing doggy hats to sell, making a rabbit for a baby's present and preparing another quilt ready to sew by machine.

It's a bit overwhelming when I look at everything but I really do enjoy everything I make - it would be much better if I didn't have to work or do housework as well!

Here are a few snapshots of things I'm working on.

I'm hooked on needle felting

I'm hooked on needle felting. It's a great change from sewing although a dangerous craft as the needles are so sharp. My fingers have been jabbed quite a few times.

Yesterday I decided to buy a few more supplies which have made it much easier to felt. I brought a 'needle pen' which has three needles in it making it faster to felt. You can take needles out for finer work and use one or two needles. Instead of the foam I brought a brush as well. I also brought a book on Needle felting called 'Needle Felting Magic by Barbara Allan. I'm looking forward to it arriving so hat I can learn some more techniques to make other designs.

Last night I made a little dog with a ball and a beetle. I am please with the dog but the beetle needs a bit of work!

My needle felted 'Little bear'

I finished Little Bear tonight and am really pleased with how he has turned out. He may not be perfect or meet the high standard of bear makers but I really like him.

Little bear measures about 8cm sitting and is made by dry needle felting using a merino wool. I broke three needles making this little guy so will need to keep a supply if I am going to make more things.


I'm enjoying needle felting although it is hard on my hands so I can't do it for too long at a time. I'm now on the look out for my next project. I would love to do some lady bugs so will have to buy some red and black wool.

Quilting circles on Jake's quilt

I've been quilting the circles on Jake's quilt. When I first started the quilt I didn't think that I would be quilting the circles which were on the pattern - they seemed far too hard!



There are 4 whole circles and two partial circles on each block - all 4 cm apart. I've cut out templates which I use to help position the circles evenly.



I am really pleased that I decided to quilt the circles and love the way they are looking.

I've completed the circles on 2 blocks with another 7 to go.

Dry Needle felting

I had a chance to try dry needle felting last weekend and loved it.

I'd recently seen two people making an old man and a bear by dry needle felting and really wanted to give it a try. I was really excited when I had the opportunity to try it myself.

My first effort is this little angel which started out as a ball and grew as the afternoon went on.

Yesterday I went out and brought the needles and wool and started to make a little bear. I've made the head so far and am pleased that it does resemble a bear's head....

Some good news

Life has been racing by lately with lots happening but the biggest bit of news is that I finally have had an operation to put a pin and bone graft in my foot - 2 years and 6 days after the fracture happened!

Thankfully TAC accepted my claim which I am so grateful for as it has meant that I was able to have the operation done privately and a lot sooner than if I had to go through the public health system. I am now at home recuperating from the surgery. I wont know until I have another x-ray on the 7th October if the surgery has been a success but so far everything is going well. Unfortunately I have had to stop my injections of Humira for my arthritis as they make me more susceptible to infections so I have been in a lot of pain in my joints. Hopefully I will be able to start them again in a few weeks.

The second big bit of news is that I have finished all the subjects for my Advanced Diploma of Accounting. I started the course in 1998 so it is great to have finally finished after 12 years of study. A lot has happened in the 12 years since I started - many hospital admissions with asthma, subarachnoid haemorrhage, operations, moved house to name a few things, so I am really proud of myself for not giving up. I've applied for my certificate so should get that in a couple of months.

My first block of the month block and Blue Willow quilt completed

I am excited to say that I have finished my first block of my Postcards from Paris quilt. I had started a different block but seemed to be having so much trouble with matching the fabric pieces to the pattern. after much frustration I realised that the templates proved for the flowers did not match the flowers on the block pattern. I have set that block aside for the time being and started on the next block which is of a postcard. I am so pleased with how it has turned out. I have traced the applique layouts onto the blocks I have received and cut the fabrics ready to sew. I have now started on my next block which is of three long stemmed roses in vases.



Jacinta's Blue Willow quilt is ready to be hand quilted.

I laid out and basted the quilt at Brink last week making use of the trestle tables in the church.

It was great having the space to move around the tables without hitting the walls as I do at home. I also enjoyed having the help of Mary, one the of the ladies at Brink who I've come to know this year.

I am currently working on Lachlan's quilt and my Postcards from Paris block of the month both of which I am thoroughly enjoying sewing.

Hopefully I'll be able to sew some more over the next two weeks while I recuperate from my second carpal tunnel release operation. The surgery tomorrow is on my left hand so I'll just need to work out how to hold the material in my left hand while I sew with my right. With 10 days off work it would be so nice to be able to spend the time sewing.

A catch up on my life lately

I can't believe that it is a month since I posted anything. I have been so busy with lots happening at home.

Here's a bit of a catchup on me in no particular order - just as things pop into to my head.

My hands

Just over a month ago I had 'carpel tunnel release' surgery to my right hand. The relief was almost instantaneous. I found it hard not using my hand or driving for two weeks but the hardest thing of all was not being able to sew! I didn't quite make the required time and started to do a little bit of sewing while I was still bandaged.

I am having my left hand operated on in the morning (Wednesday 9th June). Hopefully I will have the same result as I did for my right hand. I wont be able to use my hand or drive until the stitches come out in two weeks but this time I should be able to do a bit of sewing. At least I think I might be able to - I just have to figure out how to hold the material in my left hand while I sew with my right hand!

My eyes & other health issues

I saw the eye specialists last week and had a great report from the tests. For the first time in over 12 months I had 'negligible' change in my peripheral vision and my pressures had dropped to 8 and 9 , the first time ever under 16! I am hoping that my vision has now stabilised but the doctor told me not to get my hopes up as I may have a big change next time. I don't have to have another field test for another 12 months so I don't have to think about that for now.

Generally I have been pretty well lately. I've had no infections for a few months which has been great. The main thing has been getting my pain under control. I reduced my morphine after having my right hand done but have struggled a bit to control the pain in my joints. My feet have been the worst with an inflamed ankle needing a cortisone injection. I don't know if the pain is from my psoriatic arthritis or is the result of the extra pressure from walking with a broken foot for so long. I think in truth it's a bit of both.


My foot

It has been 12 months now since I first started wearing my CAM boot and in August it will be three years since it was broken by the lady standing on it on the us. I'm onto my second CAM boot which has needed some running repairs. The table leg makes a good weight for holding the soles in place while the liquid nails dry. I really need to get a new boot so I'll have to sort that out with the doctor soon.

I found out in March that I should have made a claim through the TAC (Transport Accident Commission) for my injury but as it is over 12 months since it happened and I have no real proof of how it happened it is seeming unlikely that the TAC will cover it. I haven't totally given up hope yet but am praying that whoever makes the decision will see that I am telling the truth. I don't care for compensation I just want my foot fixed so that I can walk properly again and take Charlie for his daily walks. I've really missed my nightly walks.

Study

I have two assignments to complete for my Advanced Diploma. I failed one test and was able to repeat the questions I failed as an open book assignment which was great. I still have two I only have one more other assignments to finish before the end of term. Next semester I will do my last subject - Audit, on-line as the TAFE is not offering the subject on campus.

My new floor

Last week I had the floor in the lounge room, dining and kitchen replaced under insurance. I had a flood in the kitchen from a dishwasher leak so as the floating floor could not be matched I had to get a new floor throughout. I was so happy that the company agreed to save the old boards so that I could give them to Philip & Melissa Astle to re-use in their bathroom and kitchen. The guy talking up the boards was so pleased to help that he took them up so carefully that we only lost a small number of boards. Apparently these boards normally get thrown out at the tip which is such a waste of perfectly good flooring.

My furniture was stored out in the garage for a week. The company organising everything were great in providing people to move my furniture in and out of the unit. I just had to pack everything which was a big enough job in itself.

I did talk the guys into letting me keep my chair, computer and TV in the lounge while the floor was being replaced.

The photo with my chair shows the old floor, the other photo is my new floor.

Taking Jake to basketball training

The most of this term I enjoyed taking my great nephew Jake to basketball practice on a Tuesday afternoon. I enjoy the time I spend with Jake - he's such a good boy to have around. I went to watch play a match a few weeks ago and was amazed at how fast Jake and the other boys learnt the game.





Brink

I really enjoy my Tuesday mornings at Brink. Last week I laid out my 'Blue Willow' quilt and was able to put the backing and batting on. We are able to use the trestle tables in the church so by putting three together we have a great large surface to use which we can easily move around. A few weeks before hand I helped another lady layout and baste her quilt. I love the way that people get in and help each other.

Myself and Mary with her quilt on the table.

I try and keep Tuesday mornings free just for Brink. I love the time to sew but also the time to meet other people. I have formed some lovely friendships with some the ladies that go each week.

Well, that's a bit of a catchup on my life of late.

Lachlan's quilt

I have started Lachlan's 'Spinning Stars' quilt.

Melanie asked me to write down how I make Lachlan's quilt so I've decided to keep a separate blog showing each step of how I make the quilt.

The blog is called 'Lachlan's Spinning Stars quilt . Step by step instructions'.

So far I have made four entries starting with a bit about why I sew by hand with the material tacked onto cards, preparation of material and cutting out my templates.

Anyone is welcome to read the blog however because of the detail I would think only people who really want to know how I make this and all my quilts would really be interested.

For anyone who would like to read the blog you can click on this link: www.spinningstarsquilt.blogspot.com/

Postcards from Paris - Block One

It has taken me a while to get started on the first block of my Postcards from Paris quilt.

I wanted to set aside a whole day just to work out the pattern, trace and cut the templates and cut the material. I also found reading the pattern very daunting and was wondering if I had bitten off more than I can chew with this pattern. I think this also didn't help me get started.

With a few days home over this Easter weekend I was able to set aside time and got started. I am really pleased with what I have been able to get done over the past couple of days.

I have traced all of the templates, washed the main fabrics used for the backgrounds on the blocks and have cut the fabric for the first block. I've also traced the layout for blocks one and two on the background.

Now that I have cut the fabric and traced the placement of the designs I think the applique of the pieces will be a lot easier.