Wednesday, April 27, 2011

New Beginnings

The sun is shining today after several days of clouds and much needed rain.  The trees are so green, the garden is growing (we are already eating green onions) and the flower pots on the porch are ready to plant. 
Spring is a time of renewal and promise and I appreciate that so much this year.

It's nice to be back visiting blogs again and seeing the creative projects of so many talented quilters and crafters.  It has been a long winter.  I spent all of February in the hospital...the stem cell transplant went well...but there were other complications and I was much sicker than anyone anticipated.  Recovery from the transplant is very slow and mine is even slower due to the complications.  Weakness and fatigue are the most difficult problems.  Thankfully my sense of taste is almost back to normal so the past two weeks I have been able to eat more normally.  That should help me get stronger.  Just now I'm feeling able to do a few things including being online.  I haven't started sewing again...sitting at the sewing machine is somewhat daunting but I'm thinking I can resume hand quilting this week.  This is what I'll be working on. 







This little wall hanging will be a gift...it's been several years in the making but I hope to finish the quilting this year.  Do any of you struggle with your hand quilting technique?  I just can't seem to do the rocking stitch that most hand quilters use.  I've developed my own technique which is similar to a running stitch...I know the "quilt police" would be horrified but I'll have to do it this way until I figure out how to do it "right." :) 

Hope you are having a great week filled with lots of stitching!!!

5 comments:

Stitchy Mc Floss said...

I love the fabric choices you made! This design is so cute. I can't wait to see your finish.

Blessings to you and yours always

Barbara said...

I didn't realize how difficult a time you've had, Karen. So thankful to know you are on the mend. About hand-quilting, I was never able to do the rocking stitch you mentioned. In fact, I only know a few in the group who can do that. I always did a running type stitch, and now my hands have enough arthritis that I don't even want to do that. So, tying my quilts has become my preferred method. It's the most traditional way and I can still do that! Be well!

The Other Barb said...

Glad to hear from you Karen & that you are slowly getting your strength back. You're in my thoughts & prayers.

I too have tried to do the rocking stitch method but just can't do it! I do a running stitch like you & Pineland Treasures Barb. It works.

Anonymous said...

Glad you are back online Momma! I think I'm going to try and keep up with my blog :)

rosie said...

Hi Karen,
Just found you, and wanted to wish you well. Will come back when i have more time..
Take care