The winds are howling and we're experiencing blizzard like conditions already. It's nice to be on this side of the glass looking out while sitting by the roaring fire!
Recuperation from this surgery is going to be a long one but with each passing day, I can see and feel a little improvement. The healing pain is totally different from the debilitating kind that I've had to withstand for the past year and a half.
Although I'm housebound for 6 weeks, my spirits remain high and I finally feel like the time has come to pick up needle and thread again. I've missed it!
I've had a lot of time to think, ponder and reminisce over the past couple of weeks about what the future holds in store for me and I've come to the decision that I will no longer be designing quilts and related projects to sell as patterns. The current patterns that I have for sale in my ETSY shop will be retired once they've sold out.
But that doesn't mean that I'll stop designing. The creative part of my brain never shuts down and I love to come up with new designs. As a matter of fact, that's what been keeping my mind and hands busy over the last couple of weeks since I've been home.
I'll still be designing projects for Primitive Quilts & Projects magazine. As a matter of fact, I'm committed to two more designs for future issues. The line drawings are done and as soon as I can make it up to my sewing studio, they'll be the first projects that I'll be working on.
As time and energy permit, I'll be sharing some of my new designs with you as I did with my First Friday Freebies, but not on a regular timeline. My dream is for this all to be spontaneous and pressure/stress-free for me. When ready, they will be made available as free downloads here. There might even be a free BOM or two!
So on this cold and blustery day, I don't have to tell you where you can find Frankie and Ollie and me...sitting by the fire, toasty and warm.
I want to thank you all for your continued thoughts and prayers. You all continue to be the bright spot in my sometime long days...and nights.
Happy stitching!
Glad to hear you are improving--sending warm thoughts and well wishes to you. My friend Sandy says better to wear out than rust out--so we will keep going and doing the things which make our hearts happy
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to read that you are feeling better, and on the mend. Even with the snow dumping down on you! Take care, and take it easy! Be well.
ReplyDeleteWonderful to hear that each day is a bit better than the last. Sounds like you have made some great plans for the future. Stay warm and cozy today!
ReplyDeleteThat is a blessing to be feeling improvement day by day, however slight.
ReplyDeleteFor me creativity suffers when deadlines loom. I totally understand the desire to be free of that. I love your design in the current issue of PQ & P! I will look forward to your future contributions, and whatever else you choose to share when the time is right. : )
Hi Kaaren,
ReplyDeleteIts so good to hear from you and that each day gets a little better.
Your plans sound very positive and will not offer as much pressure, a little time to enjoy more.
My threads arrived on Friday, can't wait to work with such lovely colours.
Hope your body mending keeps on improving. Always look forward to hearing from you.
Keep warm, nice time to be inside.
Dianne
Sounds like you are setting your priorities to make life more stress free and enjoyable. I hope you can soon get back up those stairs and into your sewing room.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you'll still be designing occasionally for Primitive Quilts, it's a wonderful magazine, and so many inspiring patterns. Good to hear you are feeling better, baby steps I think. By summer, you'll be out in the garden thinking up all kinds of new designs. Of course, we don't have any snow here in Victoria. Just the usual rain, fog, occasional sun. But, for me, it's better than snow. Stay warm, so lovely to have Frankie and Ollie for companions.
ReplyDeleteI thought of you last night while we watched where the storm was heading. I hope all goes well and you don't lose your power. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!
ReplyDeleteSo glad your healing is going well. There is a lot of comfort in knowing you are getting better. And yes, stress-free is the only way to go if you can manage it! Thank you for all you do to bless those who enjoy your work.
ReplyDeleteSo happy that you are recuperating well and also that you will continue to do what you love...only just for fun now :)
ReplyDeleteStay warm, I hope the weather doesn't get to awful for you.
Take care and take it easy, Kaaren. :)
ReplyDeleteso glad that you are feeling better and that you have come up with a wonderful less stress plan for you to move on with. One day and one step at a time.Keeping you in my prayers. Enjoy the view from your side of the glass.
ReplyDeleteGood to know you're feeling better! Sorry about the blizzard! We had one so bad that I literally could not see the front porch steps. you literally could only see about 2 feet! I had to tie ropes onto the dogs halters and, after they were out for a couple of minutes, I drug them back into the house! Hope your blizzard doesn't get that bad! The snow was up over the roof and completely blocked out the sliding glass door! Be careful and stay warm! XO
ReplyDeleteGod speed with your healing. I am glad to hear that I will still find your works in various places. Stay safe and warm, Spring will come again.
ReplyDeleteHallo Kaaren,
ReplyDeleteich wünsche ihnen eine gute Genesung..
herzlichst Steffi
Glad to hear your on the mend, have missed your posts. Your health is the first thing to take care of. I've enjoyed your freebies and the projects in PQ magazine. Looking forward to more when your able.
ReplyDeleteMake sure Mr. PQ does the shoveling a little at a time.
take care of yourself, i still love your heater
ReplyDeleteIt is so good to hear that you are healing well. Prayers that it continues. And that you have come to some solid conclusions for your future. This is a must to constantly do. Stay warm and you are in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteHi Kaaren...I'm in the " same boat as you" I M also recouperating from a hospital stay over Christmas. If ever you are up early, feel free to email me, I'll be up too. I am using this time to reflect on myself also. To do some quiet stitching and un-sewing! I've been putting thoughts to paper, and have even thought about writing a memoir of my earlier years growing up. A memory book for my family. Doing some of the things you think you'll never have time for. Now you do get permission to slow down and " smell the flowers" so to speak.
ReplyDeleteHugs and get better soon.
Marg.
Kaaren, I have admired your work in both decorative painting and quilting/stitching for a long time. I hope you feel a lot better soon!
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to let you know that your contributions have always been appreciated. Your decision is one that I am sure was well considered and timely. As always, I will look forward to your designs in Primitive Quilts and Projects a great venue for your talent. Always enjoy your blog. Take care, rest well, I hope the healing continues.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you are coming along nicely. I am all for stess-free, too; so you rest assured that your decision is the right decision and just enjoy your craft.
ReplyDeleteFrankie and Ollie look so snug and warm and like the best of friends! Warms my heart tonight while the wild winds are blowing the snow around outside ... <3 Pat
ReplyDeleteIt must seem like an endless time to recover, Kaaren. I am sure you will be happy to get back into the sewing again.
ReplyDeleteStay warm and safe.
Keep warm and I hope each day brings you a little closer to a healthy recovery, I think you're overdue. Take care and I think of you often wondering which way your journey is taking you.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you Kaaren and praying for a speedy recovery. Satay warm and safe.
ReplyDeleteGood to see your posting - sounds like you have a plan! Do what you can, when you can. I enjoy your blog 'almost' as much as your designs, so let us all hear from you from time to time and we'll be happy!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all you do -
Barbara in TN
Dear Karen,
ReplyDeletegood to hear from you and know now that you are in the healing process.
Great news, best wishes,
Sylvia
Great to hear from you. Sounds like you are on the mend. As always I look forward to see your creativity at work. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteBe kind to yourself and take it easy...sending you hugs and good thoughts....
ReplyDeleteSo good to hear you are feeling stronger every day. Hugs & prayers to you until you reach full recovery. Love your patterns, which will give me one more reason to keep my PQP subscription !
ReplyDeleteGlad you are on the mend. I always enjoy seeing what Frankie and Ollie are up to!
ReplyDeleteQue be que et trobis millor !!
ReplyDeleteLa foto del gos i el gat a la vora del foc es genial !!!!
Molts petons i abraçades.
You are so right, the healing pain you can take (even without heavy meds), the pre-surgery one not so. No wonder people think I look great today, constant pain does horrible things to your looks ;)
ReplyDeleteHope you heal fast and well.
I was away on a holiday with hubby in celebration of getting past our last year. I've missed a few things....especially reading about what you are dealing with....dang it! I hope today is a better one and recovery goes smoothly!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that you are improving and having a
ReplyDeletelittle less pain. My prayers and thoughts are with you as you continue to heal.
So glad to hear you are on the mend. Do take the time to heal without the stress of deadlines. You deserve it! Enjoy the day.
ReplyDeleteTake your time.
ReplyDeleteKaaren, I had missed your post about having to have hip surgery, so sorry that you have had to go through all of that and sending you healing energy and positive thoughts that you are back up on your feet very soon. Stay safe and warm as the blizzard howls through and give Frankie and Ollie a rub on their warm tummies from me!
ReplyDeleteI am glad that you are feeling a little better and that you are able to unleash your creativity.
ReplyDeleteSad to hear that you will not be marketing new designs. I love the Nautical design that I purchased but have yet to find the time to start…I will get there.
I love that magazine and just received my 1st issue!
I shall keep an eye out for more of your published designs.
glad to hear you are surviving the weather....we in maine have plenty too but imagine yours is more....spring will come and glad you are sewing again!
ReplyDeleteYour health is your first priority, physical and mental. Sounds like you have considered both. May you get stronger and stronger every day.
ReplyDeleteSomehow I missed this post!! I have GOT to get out of the shops down here!! I am so happy that you are on the mend and being waited on by that man of yours! It sounds like you are making some wise and thoughtful decisions in getting back to a stress free lifestyle! Take it easy and just worry about getting better!! We will still be here checking in with you!
ReplyDeleteBig HUG!
Pxo