Happy Valentine's Day!!!!!!

This is a long post, so you may need to procure a liquid refreshment before starting (don't say I didn't warn you!).

First, I'm sure you remember to use one block per paper plate to keep things organized.  Yes, I cut all the gray background to go with the colored pieces.

 First block machine pieced and pressed.

Second top completed, no borders will be added.

First top done, with borders.  Out of gray now.

My first hand stitches in about 15 months!  I machine quilted a top I had pieced before the stroke and added binding.  My left hand does not hold the binding fabric back like before (hopefully soon) so the stitches are not hidden as well.  Did the best I could and moved on.  See two pictures down for front of piece.

A kit from Connecting Threads.  Fused (what the ??) wool on cotton.  Hand blanket stitched.  A gentle reminder--ALWAYS cut the background bigger, applique, then cut it to size!  I forgot, and the black raveled a lot, not leaving me enough room to bind. I chose to let the raveling work for me and machine appliqued the block to a bigger piece of black and raveled the edges.  I chose a red/white fabric for the back (looks like snow), stitched right sides together with Thermore, then turned it right side out and ladder stitched the opening.  A plus for Christmas 2019.  The pattern called for French knots, which I couldn't do, so I sewed on red/white beads instead!

 The finished quilt!  The first hand stitching so far.  At least it helps cue my hand!

Sorry the pictures are sort of out of order and not cropped.  Still typing with one hand.  Finished a third plus sign runner yesterday.  Presently reading about a neuroscientist who survived brain tumors and is telling her experiences.  I'm still here, working hard every day.  Able to walk with no aids inside, short quad cane outside.  

Thanks to all who left comments last post--greatly appreciated!

Blissful hugs,
Sharon

P.S.  Yes, that is a new pouch from Hot4Handbags on the counter!  The front has a cute cut-out that looks just like Lynnie, my last boxer--I had to have it!

P.P.S.  For those who remember my adage "you may pin more than me, but never less" the ante has now been raised!  I pin much more now.  Who knew?

A Look Backward and Forward

I vividly remember last Christmas! Still in a wheelchair, my brother having to help me into and out of the car. Pudding-thick liquids, still in the nursing home.  Now I can get in and out of the car, only use a cane on uneven ground, and my left hand is strong and getting better every day.  Still knitting, but I have a strong urge to sew! Even poor stitching cues the hand recovery. Growing tired of reading so much and the cleaning/shredding is coming to an end. Way past time to be better--which I am--but I feel ready to try to adapt my procedures. It's been an interesting year but it has gone fast! Please don't take good health for granted! I don't think I did, but there is good lesson here somewhere!  The neurologist did say mine was caused by a blood pressure spike--how on earth do you treat for that?  Normally it was low, but it took just seconds to do the damage and it's over the year mark for recovery.

Making breakfast casserole for tomorrow. You'll find the recipe under the Recipes tab on the left sidebar.

Happy holidays and so many thanks to all who have supported me throughout this ordeal!

We all need more laughter!

Still Making Progress

It's been awhile since I blogged.  I'm still healing and have done no needlework in the last eight months.  What took seconds to happen has no end date.  I still walk with a cane and my left arm/hand is getting stronger, but I cannot hurry the progress.  For those who are interested, Pompera will be used for therapeutic riding, then come to me for retirement.  My mind is willing, but there are many things I cannot do.  I can brush her and love her, but I cannot move fast enough to get out of her way if she moves suddenly.  I will be able to visit her and ride her and someone else will pay to feed her and for her expensive shoes.  After spending years and part of my work life typing with two hands it is painful to use one finger!  But I am healing - just slowly.  At least my mind is intact and I'm still willing to take risks!  A bit more slowly and with some planning, but I'm still here!  I still miss you all and appreciate your many kindnesses!