Thrifty Stars finally quilted...

First things first...Just arrived via Fat Quarter Shop...NEW FABRIC!!!!!!!!!!!!  I heart this new fabric by Dena Designs for Free Spirit.  The two on the right are my favorites and I may just have to order some more...

Now, on to the UFO Update:

Back in October my left thumb started to go numb. For a while, it would just happen a few times throughout the day, nothing constant. By November, it became a constant numbness along with pain in my hand. So, off to the doctor I went. Fast forward a few months later, both hands/wrists are now in competition with the other to see who wants to go numb or ache. Carpel Tunnel was ruled out, nerve compression was ruled out, so I have self-diagnosed and resigned myself with tendinitis.

Everything I love to do revolves around using my hands. Sewing/Quilting, Web Design, strength training, and driving. Driving is more about the freedom to go anywhere when I want and to see who I want, namely family who lives 8 hours away in Mississippi and even friends who only live a couple of hours away. I haven't been home in 6 months because it just hurts to drive. Everything takes longer now too. Frequent breaks are important to keep the hands from hurting too much and for too long. My braces help to keep the pain at bay and I found that I can even sew in them.  Just wish I could drive in them.

You wonder what the purpose of the story is...it's my excuse this week for missing my deadline for the Thrifty Stars Quilt. I finally got the quilting done on Sunday, June 20th, one week later. I was a good girl all week while quilting. I took frequent breaks and even took a couple of days off from using my hands at all. I still have to bind it, but I have another excuse for that. I don't have fabric for the binding which will force me to go shopping. (insert GASP!)  I know, more fabric shopping.  

Below is the almost finished quilt.  I can't wait to see it after I wash and dry it (I rarely pre-wash my fabric b/c I love the look after the bit of shrinkage).

Revised UFO List and Deadlines:

1. Thrifty Stars - quilt and bind
• Deadline: June 13th 
• Completed Quilting: June 20th
2. Mom's 2009 Christmas Quilt - put border on, re-piece back since I forgot to put borders on before measuring(silly me), then send off to the quilter to work their magic. 
• Deadline: June 20th
• New Deadline: July 4th
3. Log Cabin - put border on, piece back, and baste
• Deadline: June 20th
• Completed border and backing: June 20th
4. Log Cabin - quilt
• Deadline: June 27th
• New Deadline: June 30th
5. Scrappy Bargello - put border on, piece back, and baste
• Deadline: July 11th
6. Scrappy Bargello - quilt
• Deadline: July 18th

Happy Sewing!
-Darlene

Life Interrupts

Last week I posted a rather aggressive, but totally achievable UFO To Do List.  I didn't factor in getting sick which left me unable to sew since May 31st.  Three nights spent in the ER is not my idea of time well spent but I am thankful to be here, on the mend, ready to tackle life and start sewing again.

One thing I learned this week is that we should never take anything for granted, especially the time God has granted us to spend here on Earth.  Life can be taken away without a moment's notice.  We should treasure each minute, each hour, and each day with our family and friends because you never know if it will be the last time you will hear their voice, hold them, or see their beautiful smile.  Cherish each moment and never take anything for granted!  God is good!

Revised UFO List and Deadlines:

1. Thrifty Stars - quilt and bind
• Deadline: June 13th
2. Mom's 2009 Christmas Quilt - put border on, re-piece back since I forgot to put borders on before measuring(silly me), then send off to the quilter to work their magic. 
• Deadline: June 20th
3. Log Cabin - put border on, piece back, and baste
• Deadline: June 20th
4. Log Cabin - quilt and bind
• Deadline: June 27th
5. Scrappy Bargello - put border on, piece back, and baste
• Deadline: July 4th
6. Scrappy Bargello - quilt and bind
• Deadline: July 11th