Saturday 14 September 2013

What I did on my summer holidays...

...is not as much sewing as I would have liked.

After initially feeling pretty good, the pesky health stuff (update at the end for those that are interested) has been taking its toll a bit and hence I've not done much sewing for the last couple of months.  Blogging has also suffered although I am over on Instagram slightly more often - I'm sillybananasewing

However before I started to feel really rough I got a few things done.  I decided I would make myself a quilt so I rummaged through my stash and found a Hometown layer cake and some Kona Cream I bought for a project that I never got round to (like about half the fabric I own!).

I had purchased some patterns from Alison of Cluck Cluck Sew when she had a sale and so decided I'd use her Suburbs pattern.

It came together really easily and I love it - I can definitely see myself making it again.


The soft, slightly faded colours and the cream background remind me of the seaside so I'm calling this one 'Beach huts'.  Inspired by Trudi's Free Motion Quilting workshop at the Fat Quarterly Retreat I decided to try quilting it with swirls - the fact that the quilt was for me meant that I could relax and not fret if it wasn't great.
 

Not perfect but I was really pleased with how it turned out - I need to work on my consistency and spacing but I'm glad I bit the bullet and tried something new.


I backed it with Ikea 'Britten' number fabric as I felt like I wasn't a proper modern quilter without having a quilt backed with it!

Quilt stats:
Beach huts 
Size: about 60" by 70"
Pattern: Suburbs by Cluck Cluck Sew
Fabric: Hometown by Sweetwater for Moda; Kona Cream; Bella Solids (random blue)

I also finished a quilt top for the little lady (much to the disgust of the wee chap who informed me in no uncertain terms that he has been waiting long enough for his Cat in the Hat quilt and made me promise I would not make any other quilts until it is done!)

I bought a half yard bundle of Handle with Care with coordinating solids from Pink Castle Fabric last year and wanted some nice easy sewing that would showcase the fabric.


It badly needs pressed but at the moment I am seriously lacking in energy and it was a case of press the top or blog about it!

And whilst we were doing the photos my two little monkeys decided to join in!



Thanks for stopping by
Sarah


Pesky health update

Well I have now had 4 of my 6 cycles of chemotherapy - all three cycles of Taxotere and one of FEC (which I can't say without wanting to add "Drink! Arse!").  

My oncologist is pleased with my progress and says I'm tolerating the chemo well, which I suppose I am but I will be glad when it is over as it is starting to take its toll.  I just have no energy (hence the lack of sewing) - I made tea last night and microwaving some spuds, defrosting some bolognese sauce and grating some cheese left me knackered and needing a sit down!  In addition the FEC is making me feel really queasy - like really bad morning sickness.

And unfortunately I've ended up in hospital after the last two cycles because I keep spiking really high temperatures.  I have felt fine on both occasions but got admitted for IV antibiotics because of the risk of having an infection which can be dangerous if your immune system weakened by chemo.  Both times my blood counts have shown my immune system has been fine and other tests have shown no sign of infection so they think it is just how my body is dealing with the chemo. It is frustrating and disruptive but I keep reminding myself that there are plenty of people who have much worse side effects and a much poorer outlook than I do, so while I have had some down days, by and large I'm staying positive.

And talking of the positive, I had a mid point ultrasound and that showed that my tumour has shrunk substantially and broken up and the three abnormal lymph nodes have all shrunk too.  This shows that the chemo is working (thank goodness - I'd hate to be going through it if it wasn't!!).  

But at least it is only another two cycles so by the end of October it will be over and done with and I'll be on to the next phase - surgery!

Take care
S

11 comments:

  1. I am so glad to hear all the positive bits in your health update. I wish you didn't have to go through all the horrible bits. Sending you lots of hugs.
    I love your quilt and you have totally done way more sewing than me! and its all gorgeous.

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  2. Really pleased to hear your treatment is going positively! I can only imagine how difficult it is feeling tired and sick and on top of that having the worry of infection and still having to look after young children - you deserve a medal! The photo of your kiddies peeking out from the quilt is so so lovely. Your Suburbs quilt is so great - going to check out that pattern now x

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  3. Hi Sarah, I really love that quilt. Keep on keeping on, x

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  4. love the photo of the littlies. You're on the home stretch! Hugs xx

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  5. I love your Beach Huts, they are right up my street. And I'm sure the little lady will love her quilt once it's finished. It's so colourful and bright.
    As for the pesky health stuff, I'm so sorry to hear that you're suffering from the chemo. I remember feeling incredibly rough during mine but it's well worth it. I hope the last two sessions won't be too bad for you.

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  6. Thinking of you. Love your "Drink, Arse" comment, and your quilts are fab. Look after yourself inasmuch as that's possible with two small kids.

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  7. Love the quilts! So glad to hear that you have had some positive news, but still dealing with the side effects of chemo while parenting must be pretty tough - best wishes to you.

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  8. Next time I visit I'm bringing a very large bag to smuggle "Beach huts" away ��

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  9. Love your Beach Huts quilt, congrats on the FMQ'ing too. You should link up all this newness at this month's New to Me http://celticthistlestitches.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/new-to-me-in-september.html there is still time (just!)

    Your health news sounds encouraging, even if it doesn't always feel like it. Keeping my fingers crossed that you continue to get good news.

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  10. Keep it going love, glad to have your updates!
    Beach huts are beautiful, but I think cat in the hat better be a priority when you feel more energetic!

    Hugs

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  11. Just thinking of you. Thought I should sensd a quick word to say, you are still there, in my mind. Good luck

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