Friday 3 January 2014

2013: That was the year that was

Happy New Year!

As regular readers will know 2013 wasn't exactly the best year for me (massive understatement alert) but whilst I look forward to 2014 being rather less stressful it hasn't been all bad.

A breast cancer diagnosis in May was a big shock but as I come to the end of the year I'm in a pretty good place.  I made it through chemotherapy and surgery and although neither is the most pleasant thing in the world my body coped with both better than I expected.  And thankfully it has all been worth it.  Chemo shrank my tumour by 80% and only two of my lymph nodes were involved rather than three as originally suspected.  I still have radiotherapy later this month but less than originally planned.

I am incredibly grateful to my wonderful husband and Mum who coped so well and did all the stuff I couldn't do.  My kids coped amazingly well and cheered me up even on my worse days.  So many great friends helped out of let us know they were thinking off up - and that includes those of you who I've got to know via this silly little blog, thank you so much for the messages of support.

Sewing wise it was definitely a year of two parts with January to May being much more productive (funny that).  Overall I finished 6 quilts and a further quilt top and made some other bits and pieces.


 Finished quilts (clockwise from top left): Starburst; Siblings together zigzag; Highland Star; Bluebird park stars: MIL quilt; Beach huts


Other stuff: Handle with care quilt top; Sisters Ten BOM (so want to get on with this as I love the design and the fabric); Crafty Cooks apron and pot holder; cross stitch Christmas decorations.

Also this year, one of my all time favourite makes:


Velocity Girl bag by Sew Sweetness in Echino Buck in Turquiose - I've had so many compliments on this and it is such a great design.

As for 2014, well if the last year has taught me anything it is that you can make all the plans you like but life can happen instead!  But I want to keep sewing and hopefully be a bit braver about fabric choices and keep improving.

I hope that 2014 brings you all health and happiness
Bye
Sarah