I have pictures again!!!

The Wedding Cake made by Paula's daughter.  So pretty.

It worked.  At last maybe (fingers crossed) I'm back on My Fat Quarter.  Surprise Surprise!!  Wow, so where do I start??  

Well, exciting news in September.  My son Ken went to Montana, USA and 6 weeks later married Paula who he'd met on Facebook 18 months ago.  I didn't know about it but had an idea that Paula was someone important.  He hadn't said much because Paula is just a bit younger than me! I probably would have preached at him if I'd known but I'm glad he didn't tell me because I've had time to get to know Paula and she is awesome.  She is very intelligent, a hard worker and a beautiful soul.  I love to chat on the phone, they both have a great sense of humour, very quick witted.  I often end up laughing with them.  They are so compatible and happy.  

My son is a different person, he has found someone who loves all the things he loves like country music, war aeroplanes, history and animals.  (He got none of those from me.)  

I watched the wedding on the internet.  Saw the whole ceremony plus all the family and friends that were watching over the web could leave messages on the site while we were watching.  Ken spoke to me while he waited for Paula (I could have kissed him, he was so close hehe). Technology is awesome huh.  

I miss him heaps, but its cheap for me to ring them and one day I'll go up there and visit.  

the snow today.  

Maybe not in Winter though!  This is where they live and they only got an inch but in town 10 minutes away they got 6 inches.  They live in a sheltered area but I bet its still cold.  

One of their 6 dogs - they have to follow Ken and Paula outside haha.

So now Ken has 10 step grandchildren from 1 - 12, the children of Paula's 2 sons and 1 daughter.   I wanted to make them something for Christmas and decided on placemats.. wouldn't cost much to post.

I ended up making one for each of the family including Paula's mum, and her brother, the in-laws and all the children.  They can use them on Christmas Day.  I've made everyone different so the kids will always know which one is there's.  They arrived today in plenty of time.  

Fruit and Veges - Christmas colours.

For one of the children.

For Paula who loves her 8 horses too.

For one of the granddaughters who is horse mad!

Ken told me to put All Blacks rugby fabric on the back of some for the men!  I think he's enjoying the banter.

Well I am so excited that my blogger is working again.  woohoo.  And I will be back with more posts on what I've been doing in the last 6 months since Myra passed away.  I'm feeling good now but it has been really hard.  I know she'll be glad I have been sewing again.  Maybe that has helped!  

We'll chat again soon.  Luv Karen

I think my blog is sick!

I'm having problems with my blog. Must have been neglected for too long. I have managed to write a post on my 6th try. But my photos are blacked out as you can see? I will be back - if I can't fix it I will start a new blog and let you know where to find me.

Is anyone there?

It's been a long time since I wrote my last post so my followers may have moved on. I've been lethargic these last few months but body is  Thanksgiving in America, my sons new home (Montana) and I have a lot to be thankful for!  My son Ken married his wife who he met on Facebook 18 months before in September. Paula is my age but age is nothing to them. They are so alike in many ways and Paula's family love him.

Whoops I will have to download photos after work. But is anyone still waiting for me???

And Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends in USA .

Recently I went to the Wellington Antiques and Collectables fair.  I knew my "Button Art' friend would be there but I spent over an hour looking at the displays and stalls at things from my childhood or my grandmother's house.  The Willow pattern was beautiful.  I remember how much I loved it when I was a teenager.  I put a set of it on layby in 1972 when I started working and I paid it off every week.  I don't have any of it left now because I've moved several times with Husbands 1 and 2.  And now I can't enter any more photos.  See my previous post.

Photos

I've tried to write a post but it says I'm out of storage space for photos.  Do you all pay to have extra storage or is there a way around it.  Do I delete my picassa album?

Landscapes with Anne Jolly

Why do my pictures come out sideways ????

Hi everyone.  Thanks to those of you for your messages and emails of sympathy.  It has been a hard few weeks and I have been absolutely lazy and done nothing!!!  I've missed Myra so much but something happened to me two weeks ago.  My heart started racing again at 2am and I ended up back in hospital.  The emergency dept was frantic and it was a couple of hours later when the Dr arrived to try and put a lure in and my heart suddenly went back to normal!  Yay, I got to walk home at 4am because I hadn't taken my purse but on the way I could think of nothing else but Myra had told me not to cry for too long, not to sulk but to get on and enjoy life for the both of us.  She also said if I did cry for too long she'd push me over!  Well after a day off feeling really yuck, the next day I was better than I had been for weeks.  Then this week it happened again but I didn't go to the hospital and sure enough it went back to normal again...

Time to start looking after myself and get out and about again.  I'm laughing, smiling and getting my sense of humour back.  Don't get me wrong I still miss her heaps but I have so many wonderful memories and so much fabric to use up now!!
If you can turn your head 90 degrees these are my landscape quilts (or the start of them) which I made last weekend at a 2 day course with Anne Jolly.  It was fantastic and a lot of fun.  I'll try and put more photos up the right way soon.  This weekend is a sewing day on Sunday with friends and I'm going to get cracking on my Granddaughters quilt.  It is way out of my comfort zone but I'm going to give it a go!!!

See you all again very soon x x x

Rest in Peace Myra

Yes, sadly dear Myra passed away yesterday after a 2 year battle with cancer.  The last 2 weeks have been a struggle not only for Myra but her family and myself too, watching her in pain and discomfort.  Yesterday I was with her and the Nurses kept checking on us in case I missed something and should have rung the family who were having a much deserved night off.  But she went too fast to get anyone even the nurse.  I am so relieved for her and all of us that she had gone to rest but it is still so painfully hard to lose such a wonderful friend and 'sista'.  The funeral is going to be a quilt exhibition of Myra's quilts before they get distributed amongst the family.  She wouldn't have liked that because she didn't like a fuss but we've had them on her bed in the hospital and the nurses have been admiring them.  I know she will have heard the praise.

My old posts will have photos but as I'm not on my computer I cant download one.  I thank you all for your kind words and support over the last few months.  I am privileged to have had a true and loyal friend for 8 years and I will miss her terribly.  And to all of you who made Healing Hearts blocks for Myra Thank you from the bottom of my heart.  Her intention was to make 2 quilts - one of the NZ blocks and one of the overseas ones.  she finished the NZ one but the overseas blocks have been in a basket pinned to their envelopes and fondled often.  So it will be my pleasure to put them together and make a beautiful quilt in memory of her.

Here's to all of my good friends.  I don't feel alone without Myra.  Though I will miss her so much I know I'll always have a shoulder to cry on... for a little while  ,,, Myra said if I cry too long she'll push me over in the street!!!  Yeah right.  

While the cats away the mice will play UPDATED

"Sista's Forever - Myra & Me"

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter break.  My holiday with Myra was wonderful, so rewarding and lots of fun.  Myra is managing well with a bit of help and I am so pleased she isn't in the rest home.  She is an amazing independant woman and I love her heaps.  She's an awesome friend or sista I should say.  One of the nurses in the hospital thought we were sisters so we've decided we are 'sista's" hence the name on my quilt above. I did finish my quilt with Myra up to the binding.  I am just sewing the binding on and embroidering the label and then I'll post more photo.  It's not perfect but it's finished and will look lovely on my bed.



Angelina at the Family Court because she's been abandoned

Meanwhile here's a little story.  My colleague Tania has gone to Sydney for 3 weeks.  She has a doll? that has some sentimental attachment and "Angelina" sits on her window sill at work.  While Tania is away Angelina sits in her chair and 'minds' her desk haha.  Well, this time she hasn't been very obedient and has been running away.  I've caught her in all sorts of places......

Partying up with NZ Tui Beer and smoking.  Naughty Angelina!



Fish and chips in the park at night.  I caught her chatting up the security guards.



Wow, at last she's behaving.  I took her to sewing last night and she was very happy

Down at the dairy getting into the lollies. 

Getting tired of her behaviour so I took her to the op shop to teach her a lesson

Tania's back on Monday so this weekend I'm making Angelina a pretty  purple dress with lace and trimmings because Tania doesn't like purple or lace haha.  She's a really fun lady to work with so I'm sure she's been enjoying the daily updates of Angelina's pranks.

And here is Angelina today in her beautiful organza frock, with button bracelet, heart necklace and camelia in her hair and for Tania.  Tania loved it and enjoyed the updates on Facebook.  It's great to have her back at work, Tania is a really happy personality and lots of laughs.  So today the office has that gorgeous hum again.  What a difference one person can make.

Happy Easter to all my friends and family

The photo above is my eldest daughter Annette at 11 months old with her first Easter egg.  We were outside and she was in her highchair.  Really clever idea, especially after she'd finished it .. the chocolate baby!! 

I'm off first thing in the morning to Myra's.  I'm really looking forward to seeing her again and being there with her to keep her company.  I'm told "You're not my Nurse when you come up, you've got the sack!!".  Haha.  In other words Myra will do what she can do in her way and no fuss!!!  I am so thrilled she is sounding better everyday and the hardest part of having a friend who is not very well, is being so far away and not knowing. 


So Happy Easter to everyone.  A huge thank you to my lovely friend Martina for the parcel I found in the letterbox tonight.  Another gorgeous German Patchwork magazine and a lovely card. 

Love and hugs to everyone

Thank you

Thank you to everyone who has spared a thought, a prayer or sent a hug to my dear friend Myra.  Last night I got a call from her and she sounded fantastic!!  Wow, I said - it's the old Myra!  Today she is going to her home with the Occupational Therapist and the Physio to see what aids she needs in the house to keep her safe and enable her to achieve independance.  I AM SO WRAPPED... I HAVE BEEN SO WORRIED SHE WOULD HAVE TO STAY IN THE REST HOME.  

Myra is finding it a little easier to put her 'dead' foot on the floor and is walking with a walking frame.  Yesterday she needed some washing done and decided to do it herself.  When I asked how she managed carrying washing and a walker she just said "I managed".  haha.  that's my friend Myra. 

Hopefully if all goes well she may go home this weekend.  Just depends on how long it takes to put rails by the door steps etc etc. 

But thank you.  I know the power of thought and prayer works and I totally believe sharing has helped me and Myra.  And in 9 more sleeps haha I'll be up there to help for a whole week.  I can't wait. 

Life is so precious. 

Hugs Hugs and More Hugs

This is the lolly jar - the 'not so collectable' but pretty buttons  to play with?

I know it's been awhile since I posted on my blog but I have no excuses except being tired for the last few weeks.  I had great plans for using my time off work like sewing and sewing and reading but it was way more painful than I expected and then I fell and hurt my foot so I did get one job done.. I put all my historical buttons onto cards.  So my collection really looks good now.

Myra and I at a Button Show last October

Last week after being sick for several days Myra was admitted to hospital.  She had been vomiting non stop and after some tests the Dr's admitted her.  I flew up on Friday after the family were told the cancer may have moved into her stomach.  I was so glad to be there, it is so hard not being able to help when you're so far away.  


The Drs decided she could have a blocked bowel and it turned out to be so.  After a lot of medication and painkillers etc Myra felt a lot better but...

On holiday in Wellington in January

Because she had been so sick for a week (and been to the Dr twice in that time!) she was dehydrated and her veins collapsed.  Her left foot has not improved and she has no circulation in it.  It is very very painful.  Myra is in rehab now to regain some strength and see if she can return home to that beautiful house she moved into a few weeks ago. 

While I was at the hospital a new nurse came into the room and asked whether we were sisters or mother and daughter.  I chose to be the daughter haha but Myra "We are like sisters!"   Isn't that gorgeous.  We might as well be too.  We have so much in common and she has taught me so much over the years.  

So send your telepathic hugs please to Myra.  I'm sure they will reach her somehow.  Just knowing other people care can help sometimes and I'd love to see her back home enjoying the rest of her life if there's anyway possible.   I will be back up there for Easter for a week and it would be wonderful to help her get settled back into her home, if she can.

The little things in life

I think this one is just gorgeous.  What a beautiful wall hanging it would make.

The highlight of my days at home on sick leave has been watching the caterpillars on my self seeded swan plant outside my lounge window.

My neighbours plant was eaten in no time so she has put her caterpillar babies on mine.. It is now covered in them, and crysalis's and day to day beautiful monarch butterflies.   

Another great achievement was to put some more of my buttons on cards.  Most of my buttons I've found in cheap bulk lots of buttons from Trade Me so I'm really wrapped now that I can fill up some cards.  Here's two (just so I don't bore you all). 

Silver and Blue on black glass.

Gold on black glass. 

The photos don't do them justice. I've also spent time looking through my magazines from Germany which Martina sends me often.  They are full of beautiful and colourful projects.  So many of them I want to do.  But everytime I look through a magazine I notice something different.  Here's some lovely quilts and bags I'd love to make ONE DAY from the magazines.

 Yesterday I started feeling normal again.  16 days after surgery and no pain.  I am on the second course of antibiotics and they appear to have worked.  Touch Wood.
Last night I fell down the stairs at my friends house and woke during the night with a very sore and swollen foot.  Have had xrays but nothing is broken thank goodness.  Just a very bruised and swollen wrenched 2nd toe which is now taped and bearable.

I think I must be a Drama Queen. I have felt sorry for myself and wondered if I was ever going to feel better but I am also inpatient.  but I do realise this is nothing compared to what others are suffering.  

Please say a prayer or send positive vibes to my friend Myra and others who are suffering right now.  I wish I could do something to stop this horrid Cancer that is ruining the lifes of people I love.  But for now I can only support and love them and stay strong.  

I'm going to check my lotto ticket numbers now.  I'm sure I've won and then I can book flights to see Myra tomorrow, complete with walking stick, haha.  And maybe I won't go back to work on Monday... won't that be nice!

UPDATE:  Not even close!

Rest and Relaxation?/

Friday Day 11.  It's taken me all day to post this as I had to download a new version of Google to do it??  So hopefully this works.

Day 10 today and I'm starting to feel like I have more energy.  I've been out to a Quilt Club tonight and there's another local one on Saturday... I had the 'dangly attachment' removed on Monday so I can go out now.  Turns out the catheter was causing all the problems but now I have to heal from the damage it did!

So what have I been doing... Resting a lot.. but having a great time slowly looking through my Patchwork Magazines from Germany.  My dear friend Martina sends them to me but you know what it's like.  You can look at a magazine over and over and always see something new.  I thought I'd share some of the gorgeous patterns in them (which I intend to make one day!!).  I've also put some more of my vintage buttons on cards in themes and I'm wrapped as they're no longer sitting in a box.

I hope to be a little more energetic over the next week and go for short walks each day, AND do some more work on my quilt..a little each day while I'm off work.

I hope you've all had a wonderful week.  The days are going too fast but only 42 days now and it'll be Easter and I'll be on holiday again with Myra.  Can't wait hehe!!
UPDATE Saturday Day 12. Found out yesterday that my employer can't pay anymore sick leave so I'm faced with going back to work this week.  I don't have any Annual Leave left apart from my trip to Myra at Easter so really don't have any choice.  So I went out to Quilt Club today and had to organise names for our bus trip to Tote and Gloat in May.  I was absolutely stuffed.  Hot, weary, pain and so tired after one hour, not sure how I'll cope with a day at work.

The one thing I've learn't from this is dont get cancer or hospital infections, you use up all your sick leave at once for 10 years!!  This op was also one I chose to have done and I probably would have put it off for a couple more months.  Because there were complications I had to have a catheta in and come home with it, but it was not good because it aggravated my bladder causing it to bleed.  HEAPs.  .  It was so incredily painful. I was so pleased to have it pulled out last Monday.  But it all takes time to recover and I think I am so tiired because of the blood loss.

However, Cinderella will be back at work on Tuesday with a fudged brain and all.  haha..

 

Valentine's Day Op

I always think I'm SuperWoman being the single, independant, stubborn girl I am and so I expected to bounce back out of hospital and get a lot of sewing done and things sorted.  To enjoy my time off and catch up with friends.

Well, my simple operation has caused complications and I'm stuck in my chair with attachments waiting to go to the urologist on Monday for a Cystoscopy.  3 weeks off work, but I didn't want to feel 'blaaar".  Haha.

I am NOT feeling sorry for myself.. I Swear I'm Not!!

But there's so much I wanted to do.  so if I don't post for a few days it's cause I'm buggered... It's never taken me so long and worn me out so much to have a simple shower!!  It's times like this that I wish I didn't live alone but then my two ex husband's would have gone to golf or work as usual... Hopefully the only son will be here soon to make my bed and move a few things for me.  

I'll be back!

Treasures or rubbish... ??? Share it

A friend made a comment this week that I'm not blogging enough.. haha.. and I have to admit to being rather tardy of late.  So I will try harder to blog more often and keep you all entertained??  Now that my son has moved out and Myra has been to stay I decided to move some furniture and tidy up.. for a Day!!  One day .. that's all it was going to take.  Well, it was a long weekend in New Zealand (3 days) and I still had one room to finish last night before company came!! 

Gorgeous ah.  It even opens.  Purely ornamental though so it's gone on Trade Me

I shifted stuff and sorted stuff even my bead collection...WHAT THE ????  So I've ended up with heaps of treasures on Trade Me.  That's like New Zealand's EBay.  I have TOO MUCH.. STUFF!!

Beads for Trade Me

And I decided to make the spare room into a 'lounge' and Button Room!!  Have you heard anything so sad.. haha.. but I can easily get sidetracked and play with my button collections so I've moved them away from my sewing machine... hehe.. Now I just have to sort them out and put them somewhere.. one day!!

Old Buckles.. I was GONNA frame them...gone on Trade Me

The other reason I did this NOW was that I'm having an op next week and won't be able to lift or reach, no hanging washing or vacumning ... gee that's sad haha... for 6 weeks.  And I know if I'm home I'll be wanting that stuff that's down there under all that other stuff!!!  Grr I am too independant to ask for help sometimes.  

Not sure why I bought this.. On Trade Me now

This weekend's task now is to get the 1930's finished so that I can sit and do the hand sewing when I get home.  I can't wait to choose buttons to sew on it and I'm going to embroider the wording for the label on a doily.. 

3 Quilt Club Meetings in One Week!1

Monday in Wellington was Anniversary Day so Myra and I went to Palmerston North.  A trip up through Kapiti and Horowhenua ( a couple of secondhand shops were open) to visit friends and go to Rose City Quilters meeting.  I used to live in Palmerston North so it was a great opportunity as I was on Annual Leave, to visit the Club and introduce Myra to old friends.  What a wonderful meeting too. 

Awesome.  WIP by a RCQ member

So much Show and Tell, so much inspiration, and so much love and hugs!!  I felt wonderful seeing everyone again.

Made by a member of "The Mothers" at RCQ.  They all made one in their own fabrics.  Gorgeous ah.

This is a New York Beauty made by a member of "The Mothers".  I'm not sure why Blogger has turned it upside down.  I love the way the background has been put together.

This one's flipped too but the effects that different colours made to the block is awesome. 
And of course it's in Batiks so I love, love, love it!!!



Yum, Yum , Yum, love scrappy and love this quilt.  Awesome (yes, I repeat myself)... I love it. 

Thank you to "The Mothers" and Rose City Quilters for a wonderful evening of colour and enthusiasm.



On the way home Myra and I travelled through the Wairarapa and a couple of visits to shops on the way.  It's such beautitful country through Southern Waiarapa with many last century homes beautifully maintained and lovely old worlde cottage gardens. 


We were welcomed to the Wairarapa by this very quiet elderly couple sitting in the sun.  Sadly their home (an antique shop) is closing down, so I guess they won't be welcoming folks for too much longer.  We had to have a look at the beautiful antique 'everything' inside but I didn't spend anything!!



Myra flew home on Thursday on the windiest day of the week.  She said the worst part was walking out to the plane in the wind, walking up the rocking ladder and sitting on the plane for half an hour while it rocked on the tarmac.  The airport had already changed departure gates for the plane because the wind was so strong they couldn't load the luggage!!  I'm so glad she had a safe flight and is now home relaxing after a very busy week.  So now my home is quiet and empty.  Home alone again. Hmmm

Thursday night I went to Pinestream Quilters in Upper Hutt with June whom Myra and I had visited on the way to the airport.  Thank you June for showing us through your fantastic sewing shed.  I want one!  Visit June and see her blog including her amazing scrappy quilts.  (I have some of Myra's old scraps here and am itching to sew them all together) BUT I've got to finish 1930.  It's looking gorgeous now and I'm inspired to keep going.AND I've promised to have it finished very soon. 

Saturday afternoon was Capital Quilters here in Lower Hutt.  I'm on the Committee for CQ but I didn't get there very early having had a lazy morning reading in bed!!! It was a Stitch-in being the first meeting of the year so no problem.  I don't have any hand sewing at the moment so I manned the magazine table.  We talke our unwanted magazines to the Club, they sell them 5 for $1 and the money goes to charity.  It's fabulous.  I buy some, read them and take them back next month.  Cheap entertainment.

I hope you're having a wonderful 2012 so far.  I'll post more photos on future blog posts.