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.