If you are a reader of this blog you may recall that recently I have been off ill, and this blog has perhaps rested a little whilst I have recovered. It was frustrating being off work for eight weeks and not being able to recuperate through gentle creative activity. Instead fatigue, dizziness and sickness set me into a cycle of sleep and simply trying to achieve simple things like showering and managing to eat.
In the final week or so of my time off, however, a few of my symptoms seemed to ease off and I was able for the first time to do something, which was a good test of myself as I tried to get myself ready for tackling full days of work at the office. So, I could have done a bit of simple embroidery, or a small bit of portable knitting, perhaps. but no, I decided to learn how to quilt. Because I am an idiot.
I decided to make a small quilt to start with, so purchased a pack of 42 five-inch squares (a charm pack, I have learned these are referred to as), in the collection ‘Moda Lakeside Gatherings’. It’s a collection of neutrals, greys, navy shades and just a little touch of yellow. Many of the very small prints contain pictures of anchors, waves, and impressions of seagulls for a slightly beach-front nautical theme.
I bought the charm squares as I thought the small size would give me a starting point and so in putting them together I wouldn’t be overwhelmed by the size, and therefore I decided to make a baby quilt/cot sized quilt. I had initially planned to simply join the squares together, but then decided to try triangles, because I like to make things that bit more fiddly and difficult. The real challenge came in deciding how to lay out and arrange each of the triangles.
I eventually settled on the diagonal lines design as I preferred the simpler overall look, though I did also enjoy the graphic style of the idea on the left. I added some simple sashing strips to lighten the overall look of the quilt and because I figured they might be a bit more forgiving if things weren’t perfectly aligned on my first attempt at patchwork.
The quilt is not yet finished as I have run out of quilting/top-stitching thread whilst actually sewing the layers together, and it will also need binding adding, but starting a new project, taking up learning a new skill just helped push me in the direction of getting back to health and back to work, and hopefully will be a good accompaniment to the most important Work In Progress that I have undertaken.
There is still a long way to go, but hopefully all of the fainting, low blood pressure, days and days of sickness and tears will all have been for the most amazing of reasons. As some readers may know, there were many reasons why I never thought I’d ever write this post and many reasons why doctors never thought I’d ever have this picture, and there is still a long road to travel. At the moment I am taking extra special care of myself for a very good reason. If I am a bit quiet for a spell of time I may just be a bit short on energy, because the first 14 weeks kind of knocked me sideways, but the last two or three have seen me improving bit by bit and now I feel quite a bit better, and the little flutters inside make me think of bootees, little cardigans and tiny hats every day, as well as where this finished quilt will find its home and new owner.
Awwwwww dear I’m so happy for you ! I’m sending all my best wishes, take good care of yourself ! And quilting can be quite scary, but the result is amazing ! I learn how to do two-sided quilting a few years ago, mind blowing !
That’s lovely news. I’m so pleased for you. I hope you start to feel better now. Much love from Me and the Monkeys x
Congratulations! Sending positive vibes in the hope you feel better soon. Look after yourself and your little one. So excited for you 🙂
Mazel tov to you and Russell!
Oh how lovely! I have to confess I did wonder if this was the reason for you being so unwell. I hope things continue to look up and that you are able to enjoy making the bootees, hats etc.
My favourite bootee pattern is this one: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/stay-on-baby-booties-archive/comments#5
A number of mothers have said they are good because they actually stay on.
OH, I was so hoping that this was what I thought it was! Congratulations to you both!
Oh Mimi, how awesome! Looking forward to seeing what you knit up for your little WIP! You’re off to a great start with that beautiful quilt!
Congratulat
Yahoo!!!!! Be gentle as you body build.
Congratulations Mimi!! I’m very happy for you! I can hardly imagine all the beautiful things you will make for your little one ;-))
xxx
Oh, hooray! Congratulations! I’m very happy for you! 😀 😀 😀
CONGRATULATIONS!
that went before I’d finished writing ,sigh.
I was about to say
you are not an idiot, you are just annoyingly talented at any craft you turn your hand to and that is a very stylish wee quilt.
Congratulations Mimi, take care of yourself and enjoy this most precious time. I’m pretty sure you are going to build an amazing baby wardrobe.
Congratulations on the best of news! I hope you will be feeling well enough for all sorts of baby crafting and preparation soon. (sjn821 on Rav)
I wondered if that’s what was going on. It’s an adventure, I promise 🙂 And if I’m doing math correctly, sometime in August/September? Probably closer to the August end?
Either way, wooooooo-hooooooooo!
Fabulous news. An amazing WIP!!!
COngratulations! I have everything crossed for you!
congrats dear! excited to see new mini designs!
such wonderful news. So glad you are starting to feel better.
Love the new project (and I love the quilt too !)
Congratulations Mimi!
Congratulations!!!
🙂
Congratulations!! I am so happy for you.
Congratulations ! The sweetest news ☺ï¸
Congratulations on your wonderful, joyful news. Wishing you continued improvement in your wellbeing.. The second trimester is usually much better – less sickness, a trifle more energy and not too big and heavy to get things done. Good luck with your return to work. I hope everyone is kind to you so you can balance your activity and rest and achieve the greatest make of all so far! Well done. All the best xx
Congratulations! I wondered about the header image… Best wishes for an uneventful pregnancy. The quilt looks lovely so far!
I’m so very very happy to read your news. I hope that you are feeling much better. The baby growing lark is very hard work but worth it! Congratulations to you both 😀
So very happy for you!!!!!! <3
Congratulations! Hopefully it will get a bit easier from now on. I can’t wait to see all the gorgeous things you create for your little one 🙂
I’m with Leah – I just now saw the blog header image and it sent me searching for a post that might explain it – yippee!! Congratulations to both of you – now take care of yourself until the wee one gets here.