Almost finished

Here is the quilt top I have been working on the past several months.  Sorry the color isn't very good on this photo and it doesn't show all of the blocks in the quilt. I haven't been able to work as fast on this as I first intended way back in January but there still has been some good progress. The quilt top (above) with the 12 blocks has been sewn together and two of the three final borders have been added.  It is so big that it is hard to get a photo of the full quilt top.

Just one more border to add.   I will sew on 7 inches wide of this tan fabric, see below.   Each corner will have a Rose Bud Block attached to the the borders to complete the quilt top. 

I am very excited to see this quilt finished.  (remember the 12 original blocks were done 6 years ago in 2006).   Next I will figure out what to use for the  backing and binding.   The other night I put the top on my bed to see what it will look like and I was so pleased to see the beauty of these pieces working together.
Maybe between quilting and sewing I can work on my photography skills and the correct lighting!

When Life Gets you down....

I  managed to complete this handwork in March.  It was a gift for my friends, a very special couple who at that time were enduring together one of life's most difficult challenges. I enjoy doing handwork, the piecing, the quilting and sewing, but I enjoy even more the opportunity to give these things away and make someone happy.  If I know ahead of time who will be the recipient I think of them with every stitch.

A New Season = New Beginnings

Finally, Spring is here and I am kicking my way out of the "winter blues" that have held me hostage with health problems.  I am so relieved to begin to feel like my "old" self again.  The brain fog is lifting,and my energy level is getting stronger.  What a trial the past 4 months have been with this orbital inflammatory syndrome in my left eye. (Swelling behind my eyeball).

After 7 doctors, 3 suggested diagnosis, numerous lab tests, a brain MRI, x-rays, 3 regimens of prednisone (steroids), numerous pain killers and eye drops, ultrasound of my eyes, 2 steroid eye injections, weekly doctor visits and many $$$ out of pocket expenses....I think I can be optimistically almost certain that I am cured! At least that is what the eye surgeon told me last week. 

Fingers crossed, if I can get through the next 6 months without any more headaches or symptoms the doctor said I may never have this happen again.  They still don't know what caused it or where it came from.  What we do know is there is no brain tumor and there are a whole bunch of auto immune diseases I do not have.  I also was told I have nice clear long lungs, a good looking heart and a very arthritic jaw joint. Osteoarthritis not Rheumatoid.  It was very reassuring to know my insides appear strong, normal and healthy! 

It is spring now. I feel the warm weather, the comforting sunshine and all I really want to do is sew to my healthy heart's content. 

Oh my dear sewing machines, I have missed you!!!!