I finished Piper’s lavender sweater. I haven’t washed and blocked it yet or sewn on the buttons, but here it is.
It will be much more drapey and less stiff once I’ve washed it. And below is the replacement pink sweater that I’m working on right now. The sleeves look like they are in the right place on these two sweaters. :-). Much better to make some new sweaters than to ask Piper to move her arm to the front of her body! Ha!
I have had this pair of socks on the needles for over a month. We had a ladies retreat at church last Saturday morning and I was able to complete one leg and the heel flap. I don’t mind them taking a while to finish. I just take them along to doctors appointments while I wait, and work on larger projects at home.
Many of you will remember my friend Kris who has the blog “simplify.” It’s over on my side bar so feel free to go look at some of her amazing posts if you would like. She doesn’t post often on her blog anymore, but is mainly on Instagram these days. She sent me this beautiful knitting bag. She has also made several other bags for me that I’ve shared with you on here. I love the tape measure drawstring and just look at the beautiful embroidery that she put on the front.
Isn’t this vintage fabric on the back sweet? I love that kitchen sink!
This is my object lesson for the post. Ha! A friend brought me this blanket yesterday. It belongs to her mother who lives in a nursing facility. At first glance it looks pretty good doesn’t it? But look closer...
It is actually filled with holes like this. She’s asked me to try to repair it for her and so I’m going to do my best. Whoever made this beautiful blanket and put so much time and love into it, only left the yarn ends 1 to 1 1/2 inches long. It’s what I am constantly telling people when I teach them to crochet or knit. I know it feels wasteful, but please, please leave your ends long enough to weave in a decent amount. This is the result otherwise. And who is going to know how much beautiful work you put into a project when it falls apart at the first washing? I hope I can fix it well enough that she can still use it.
And finally, I love this picture of Frannie with her paws crossed. She stays pretty close to me these days and sleeps curled up next to me at night. Her fur feels like velvet and she has a very sweet disposition.
Back update: Feel free to stop reading if you’re here for the yarn and animals. :-). I saw the spine doctor last Wednesday. He is recommending trying Botox shots in my back directly into the muscle. Physical therapy is helping, but only on a limited basis. I have an appointment the first week of April for an evaluation by the person who does the actual injections. I have no idea when they will take place. It’s so frustrating. I feel like I’ve tried just about everything. Several of you have expressed concern that I’m sitting in the same position all the time or not doing anything. Well, I have to confess that some days when the spasms are particularly bad, I don’t do much simply because I can’t move. But most days I get 8,000 to 10,000 steps in on my Fitbit and I am up and about. I’m really hoping that this can be fixed soon.
Back update: Feel free to stop reading if you’re here for the yarn and animals. :-). I saw the spine doctor last Wednesday. He is recommending trying Botox shots in my back directly into the muscle. Physical therapy is helping, but only on a limited basis. I have an appointment the first week of April for an evaluation by the person who does the actual injections. I have no idea when they will take place. It’s so frustrating. I feel like I’ve tried just about everything. Several of you have expressed concern that I’m sitting in the same position all the time or not doing anything. Well, I have to confess that some days when the spasms are particularly bad, I don’t do much simply because I can’t move. But most days I get 8,000 to 10,000 steps in on my Fitbit and I am up and about. I’m really hoping that this can be fixed soon.
I hope you are all having a great week and that you will soon have the weather you’re hoping for. Here, we’re hoping for spring. Some of us were just talking last weekend that three years ago, we were at the lake having a picnic on that Sunday afternoon. This year there are literally many feet of snow in the same spot. Our front yard still has about 4 foot of snow in it and we’re supposed to get another 8 inches today!
Spring can’t arrive soon enough for us this year. Have a wonderful day my friends.
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24
Blessings,
Betsy
I can't believe you still have so much snow Betsy!! That is just WRONG - lol.
ReplyDeletePiper's new lavender sweater is so beautiful and now another one in pink! You are the best grandma!! Frannie does look like a sweet kitty. Tyg often lays with his paws crossed - just the cutest position. Your new knitting bag is great! Love the embroidery, the vintage looking fabric and the tape measure draw string - the whole thing is just adorable.
Gosh I am sorry you are still having so many back problems. I'm glad to hear you are moving around as much as you do - I'm sure that is important and good for your back. Hoping they can find the correct solution for you pronto.
Beautiful knitting Betsy your needles must be on fire you are knitting do quickly. So sorry to read you are still having problems with your back. Hopefully the next round of therapy will be the solution and you will finally be pain free. You remain in my prayers. Take care.
ReplyDeleteSo much SNOW!!!! Wow...I love snow but even that's too much for me.
ReplyDeleteHow nice of you to fix the blanket. You gave me some good advice, I never thought about leaving decent ends in case of a repair. I'll have to remember that.
Oooh, the sink on the fabric is just like the one at the farm. I washed many, many dishes in that sink!
ReplyDeleteWe are having warmer weather this week. A bit of rain. Botox....be careful with that. I'd not do that one for sure...but do what you think best. Megan was sick so I had to take her to see a dr this a.m. and she's feeling better. Nice sweaters for Piper. I like the purple colored one best. Praying the snow goes away soon and flowers spring up all over the place. Tulips are slow at coming up at the tulip farm...won't be up for opening weekend! Bummer! Have a blessed week, my friend!!xx
ReplyDeleteBoth of those sweaters turned out gorgeous.. lucky little Piper. I love how even the stripes are on those socks. How lucky you are that Kris sent you that adorable knitting bag.. she's so generous and such a great seamstress.. I miss her blog posts a lot. Anyone who knows you would never think that you don't move around enough.. you are a busy woman who accomplishes a LOT! Miss you! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
ReplyDeleteYikes! Those black clouds to the east yesterday must have headed your way. I am so ready for spring, and I'll bet you are also. You sure finished those two sweaters quickly. Lucky Piper! Nice socks, too. I sure hope the Botox will do the trick for your back! Sending hugs.
ReplyDeletePiper's sweater is beautiful, you do such lovely work and that bag is so cute. I love the vintage fabric on the back.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sending me your blog address, I have been missing visiting. It is true, I have not been blogging as much lately, but when I have a chance or a night when I can't sleep, it is nice to visit my sweet blogging friends. Do you have any idea why the comments you leave are coming up as anonymous? It's a mystery to me and the reason that I haven't been able to get on your blog.
Snow . . . well, I think we are all very tried of it. I think that Steve would feel better if he could get outside in the fresh air more. He is so fatigued that he would need to sit and sitting outside right now is out of the question. Hopefully warm weather is on the way.
Thank you for your prayers, they mean so very much. We know that the Lord is listening and it brings us both much comfort knowing that we are cared about.
You are a sweet friend,
Connie :)
Piper will love all her sweaters! They are lovely. I enjoyed seeing your sock progress. Yes I try to leave long tails...that is one pretty afghan:)
ReplyDeleteMy dear sweet sister in Christ, Betsy, I always enjoy your posts, youre such a blessing to so many.. a good grandma to Piper, that is for sure!
ReplyDeleteBoth mauve and pink are gorgeous.
I do feel for you with all that snow as I know you really do not like winter, .. would love to pick you up and bring you down here for some summer for few days to pick you up!
Love the knitting bag and Frankie, she so cute. Yes like everyone else I love the material vintage on the back.. we do remember that sink etc.
Now maybe this might work, praying so , I must admit, I was really sceptical re Botox when a friend said she was having it to help her throat contractions ... but it has worked wonderfully well. Maybe this may for you also, my friend doesn’t have her speaking issues anymore, she’d sound like she was nearly losing her voice.
I’m praying hard dear sis and so are lots of others.
My Lord knows the way through the wilderness,
All I have to do is follow,
Strength for today is mine all the way and all that I need for tomorrow.
My Lord knows the way through the wilderness, all I have to do is follow.
Prayer hugs dear sis,
Shaz.x
{Wonderful Words of Life - Shaz in Oz}
{Calligraphy Cards - Shaz in Oz}
I love the sweaters- so dainty! Sorry to hear about your back. I have a similar issue- mine is the SI joint. I've had shots and ablation, and pt. Now I just try to move. It seems to be the only thing that relieves the pain, even if it's only for a short while. I hope you get some relief with the botox shots. I haven't heard of those.
ReplyDeleteOh, my! I can't imagine such heartless comments, and I can surely relate to being in such pain that I simply cannot do certain things. Unless someone has walked the path of severe and/or chronic pain, they truly cannot understand just how difficult it is or how a person longs to do the things they used to but, but simply are unable to. Wow! 8,000 to 10,000 steps a day is amazing! I so hope they soon find something that will really help you and give your relief. Little Miss Piper's sweater is just beautiful. Lavender is my favorite color. And, the afghan you have on your lap is SO pretty! LOVE that. So wonderful to visit with you, sweet friend. You are such a blessing to me!
ReplyDeleteEvery year I am surprised by how much snow you get up your way! Spring seems determined to be slow in coming this year. I admire your knitting and Kris's bag making so much! Blessings on you and your mending project.xx
ReplyDelete