Sunday, March 13, 2016

Trying to keep busy!

I know it's been a while but I've been having some health issues again.  Golly, you must be as tired of me mentioning them about as much as I am.  I'm not going to go into the sordid details but if you are so inclined, please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as we weather yet another blip on the radar.

I've been trying to keep myself busy both at the sewing machine when my knee will allow it and with hand work when my knee won't cooperate. Thanks to a couple of friends, I "rediscovered" the stop/start button on both my machines and this has helped somewhat in that I don't have to use the foot pedal but it does take a little getting used to.

When the pain in my knee subsides, I've been working at machine blanket stitching the houses for my "village" quilt.  Forty-two houses will be included in my quilt village...and that's a lot of machine sewing for a gimpy knee!



Over the past couple of days I've been trying to complete three or four blocks a day and at last count, I have ten more to go and then I can start to assemble the flimsy.  



I'm sure that I've mentioned this before so you are all probably aware that I'm NOT a batik kind of gal, but the person who I'm making this quilt for is, hence the choice of fabrics.  It's not that I don't like them...after all, I'm a child of the sixties who loved the tie-dyed look back then...but they're just not me now.

And when the pain in my knee becomes too much to handle, I work on making the 164 hexies that are required for the next border for my Brinton Hall quilt.



I should be finished those either later today or tomorrow which will allow me to move onto the next step in order to complete the center medallion.



I saw my first Mr. and Mrs. Robin in our backyard this morning, a sure sign that spring cannot be too far off.  We had a dusting of snow the other day which is almost all gone so they'll be able to forage for their worms and berries with ease.  By the time I got my camera, they had flown away, probably back to their nest building.

One last note and that is I hope that those of you who have asked me questions to which I've not replied are wondering why I haven't.  Honestly, it's not because I don't want to but it's because I can't.  You've come up as a "no-reply" blogger which means that you haven't included your email address in your profile when you set up your account and if it's not there, I have no way to contact you.  

Deborah Smith, I would love to answer your questions so what I'd suggest is for you to email me directly by clicking on the little vintage-looking post card on the right sidebar of my blog.  I look forward to hearing from you.

Time to go and give the chilli that's simmering on top of the stove a little stir.



Sure smells good in here!


Happy stitching!

34 comments:

Lesley said...

Nice to see you back in blogland! Those house blocks are looking lovely! Glad you have a start/stop button to help you out. Your hexie tool kit looks very inviting. Enjoy playing with them!

Sheila said...

Your houses are coming along nicely even if you have to do things in stages . The stop start button would be a huge help with bad knees . Take care and I have you in my thoughts for some relief from the pain.

gracie said...

Sorry about the knee issues again. I know what you mean about the start/stop button...my machine also has this feature but I have trouble remembering to push it at the right time! You and I are alike, always with several things going at once so we can usually find something to work on in between this and that...hope you feel better soon.

cityquilter grace said...

lovely house blocks even if they aren't your choice of fabric...can't wait to see the brinton hall latest...sorry to hear blips are in your life yet again...pesky aren't they???

Lori said...

Prayers heading your way, dear Kaaren. Take care of yourself!

paulette said...

You are in my thoughts too...sending good wishes your way, along with a GREAT BIG HUG!!

Sandra said...

espero que se recupere pronto, muy bonitas esas casitas. Un saludo desde Tenerife.

Gypsy Quilter said...

Sure hope you get to feeling better soon. The houses are lovely.

Karleen said...

Am keeping you in my prays. Good thoughts going your way.

Mimi said...

Feel better soon Kaaren.

Heartsdesire said...

So sorry to hear about your knee. I guess the best thing is rest and relaxation. Hand sewing is always a good thing. The batik houses are beautiful and so colourful. Not my cup of tea either, but a lot of people are very fond of them. Wind and rain here on the west coast but thankfully, no snow. Stay strong and feel better soon, Kaaren.

Jackie's Stitches said...

I hope this blip is quickly solved and behind you soon! Your houses are looking great - I'm not a big batik fan either but they are very pretty!

Jeanna said...

Prayers coming your way, Kaaren.

I love batiks and your houses are very pretty in those fabrics. Going to make a nice 'tropical' village.

Maxine said...

You have only to mention your needs and you are included in my prayers.
Always,
Maxine

Unknown said...

Dear Kaaren,

I hope you feel better soon. It means a lot to me to read your blog and look what you working on.
I'm not believing, but I'm sure there is always someone looking over you. Be careful to yourself.

All the best wishes
Karina

Samplings from Spring Creek said...

Kind positive thoughts for you to return to good health. Colorful houses and oh so many! Hexies is a good choice to let your body rest and keep your mind active

Doodlebug Gail said...

Sorry to read that you're having some more health issues - I will think good thoughts for you. I am glad to see that, when you're able to, you're doing some sewing. I'm sure that Ollie and Frankie are keeping you company.

Be kind to yourself.

Beverley said...

Hope you are all better very soon. I think you will get used to the start stop button the more you use it. Hugs.

janice said...

Praying for your return to good health and peace of mind while you are on this journey.

Paula DiMattei said...

Keeping you in my prayers..quilting is great therapy. I hope it brings you as much comfort as it does me......hugs...🌹🌷🌺

janice said...

Praying for your return to good health and peace of mind while you are on this journey.

sandi s said...

I'm keeping you in my prayers sweet lady! I always love reading what you and your hubby are up to. Hugs, Sandi

I don't know if I am a no reply or not, would you mind letting me know. szil949@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

What! Oh my word...please if you feel....email me privately! Now I'm worried again.....

Karen in Kentucky said...

I so look forward to your posts, but understand just how busy you are as well. I'm going to keep you in my prayers for good news and progress!

I wish I knew how to make hexies properly. I would love to add them to a quilt some day. I don't think I have the patience to actually do Grandmother's Flower Garden which is probably my all time favorite quilt pattern, but maybe a border of them is possible. That's on my to learn list, for sure!
I'll share this special prayer with you written by Max Lucado.
KarenP3720@aol.com

Karen Pollard



"God, you know me so well. You created me. You know the number of hairs on my head, and you even know the thoughts conceived in my heart before I ever vocalize them. You've told us to come to you and ask for every need of life. You are the God who heals, and you have the final word on my destiny, the number of years I'll live and serve you on earth.

I'm coming to you today as your child, longing to hear from you and asking for your divine healing. There's so much I don't understand about life. But I do know that with one touch, one word, you can make me whole. Please forgive me of my sins, cleanse me of my unrighteousness, and begin your healing from the inside out.

I don't always know what your will is Lord, especially in times like now, when I desperately seek your face. I offer you no promises, no bargains, no deals to exchange for my health. I simply bow my heart before you to tell you the desire of my heart: that I want to spend as many years as I can loving you here, loving others, and wanting to become more like you. However you choose to accomplish that is up to you—and okay with me. If you use doctors to provide healing, give them wisdom to know what to do. Regardless of how you accomplish it, the healing you give is always miraculous. And you deserve all the praise.
I absolutely believe you have the power to heal. You demonstrated that on earth, and you still heal in miraculous ways today. Even when my faith is weak, you say it is enough, and my love for you is strong. And I know you already hold my heart and life in your hands. It's up to you. If I can bring you more glory through healing, then that's what I ask for. That's what I desire.

But if your answer is no, or not now, I know that your grace is sufficient for me. Ultimately, I want your will to be my will. I look forward to spending an eternity with you. But Lord, if you have planned still more for me to do here on this earth, I not only need and want your physical healing, Lord, but a thorough, deep-down cleansing and strengthening—a whole-hearted renewal of all that I am. Because all that I am is yours. Use this trial to strengthen me from a "what-if" faith to a "no-matter-what" faith. And no matter what, I choose to honor you and give you glory.
In Jesus's name, Amen."

colleen said...

Kaaren,
Keeping you in my prayers. I like the look of your batik houses. I have my grandchildren turn the the sewing speed of the sewing machine down when they are sewing. I must have missed something along the way did you injure your knee of have a surgery ? I will put the knee recovery in those prayers , I have a friend who has a foot problem so she switched from sewing with her right foot to using her left foot. I am not able to do that I am right handed and right footed and my left everything I just there for balance

I for one don't mind hearing about the health issues that you have or have had or hearing that on this day you are feeling how ever you are feeling

And what the weather is or how the mister is doing and about those pets of yours just the best stories
Colleen

Janet O. said...

So sorry to hear there are more health issues plaguing you. Certainly seems like you've had more than your share! Will keep you in my prayers.
Love the look of your houses. CW repros are my first choice in fabrics, but I think batiks come second. I love all of the color in wild abandon--but it doesn't fit in my home, so I usually give away what I make from them to my bright-loving friends. : )
I think I can smell the chili--yum!

margaret said...

you are in my prayers too, do hope the knee soon improves. Have copied the prayer Karen shared with us all.
Houses look good and the hexies are a good thing to stitch when the knee is too sore to use your sewing machine

jagarland said...

I'm sorry to hear you are having such pain in your knee. Would a knee replacement help?
Your house blocks are looking good. I happen to love Batiks, the texture, the colors and patterns in the fabric just enthralls me.

Carm said...

Prayers and healing thought coming your way! Enjoy your projects. I too love to switch things up by having several projects to work. You are so organized!!!

Wendy Caton Reed said...

Oh Kaaren, my thoughts and prayers are with you. You certainly have had your share over the past few years. There is power in numbers and with all of us behind you I do hope it will be enough to put you in the pink again. In the meantime, happy sewing. Your houses are lovely!

bolero said...

C'est un grand plaisir de vous lire, je vous souhaite un prompt rétablissement pour votre genoux. Vos maisons sont magnifiques et j'admire vos hexagones. Bonne continuation.

dee said...

Dear Karen
You are in my thoughts and prayers, I wish the very best to you both as I know this must be a very difficult time for Me Painted Quilt. Sewing is a great help, keep stitching and smiling.

dee said...

Dear Karen
You are in my thoughts and prayers, I wish the very best to you both as I know this must be a very difficult time for Me Painted Quilt. Sewing is a great help, keep stitching and smiling.

Connie said...

Good Morning Karen, I'm sorry to hear about your pain and I am putting you in my prayers. Staying busy has always been good for me . . . when you are doing something you love the brain seems to transfer more thoughts to enjoyment and less to pain.
Here's wishing you a lovely week.
Connie :)