I am not sewing but my friends are

As I work my way back to the sewing room, I would like to share what some friends are sewing.

This dress called the MURPHY'S LAW DRESS, is anything but that in my mind. I think it is perfect and so inspiring. The dress was created and sewn by my friend Betty. Betty said, she had trouble with every part of this dress: Thinking the problem might have been from not having ebough fabric to do what she wanted.

I can only say, the dress is adorable and so inspiring to think out of the box.

The fabric is cotton the pattern number is Simplicity 2928. Betty used a quilting tool to space the pintucks on fabric before cutting out the front of the dress;

You might notice the butterfly, which is also a Betty creation.

Joker the hero

I just have to tell you about Maurine's little dog Joker. What a hero he is. Because Maurine needs extra care, they leave the door open to her room at night to make it easy to check in on her. Joker never leaves the room, even if the door is open. He goes out on a leash or will ride on Maurine's lap. So the other night, the night shift knew something was wrong as Joker was running down the hall barking. Maurine had a seizure and could not call for help, so Joker knowing she was in trouble went looking for help. Everyone is so very proud of this wonderful little dog.

Today, was a very good day. Yesterday was not so good and it was very scary. Such a roller coaster of emotions.

I must say, the Hopsice people are beyond wonderful. From the nurses to the volunteers, they give so much caring and love in all they do.

Upside down

Life has been a little upside down for me. This has been my home away from home. I spend about four hours a day there. Chad the administrator asked me if I would like my own apartment. I sure have met some wonderful people, so it has been a good thing.

I didn't know how much of this experience to share, then a friend said it would be good for me to blog about it.

So I will do my best. I think it will help move me back to the real world. If it helps anyone, then thats even better.

My sister has good days and bad days. Yesterday was a bad day and she spent the day in bed. She had headaches for the first time but the staff is so quick with her meds, we were able to put a stop to it and she was able to sleep.

Today, was a good day. I was able to take her outside this morning for a walk around the compound, with her little dog Joker. I have hired a private care taker, so when I am not there she is still getting one on one help. Amanda, reported back tonight that Maurine had a very good afternoon. I was glad to hear that. I will go over in the morning and get her ready for company. A friend she has not seen in a long time is coming to visit.

A bend in the road

No, I didn't give up sewing or blogging. I have come to a bend in the road which has taken me in a new direction for awhile. I thought the best way to start healing myself, is to share part of my story.

My sister was struck with breast cancer, she had successful surgery but a year later was struck with Brain cancer. She has had two operations so far and continues to fight off this dreadful diease.

To give her the best possible care, I am moving her closer to me. This has been a process to say the least. The final step in the moving process will take place this week-end, which will be the end of one journey and the beginning of another. I would like to introduce you to my sister Maurine:

Next up

While working on my current project, the doorbell rang and the wonderful mailman handed me my new AS&E magazine, also known as Australian smocking and embroidery. I sat for a monent and thumbed through it and just looked at what jumped out at me. I know, it isn't like I had this planned as the next project , but it is added now!! Just the sweetest little jacket ever.

current project

I am working on a pattern called "Enchanted" The skirt is finished but the smocked blouse remains in progress. I am using the new silk floss by DMC and it is slow going. This is a seek peek at what I hope will come together.

I started

You probably have been thinking I was not going to get to my project anytime soon. I was beginning to think that too. I have been trying to re-learn everything as I am using a new machine. With a little practice I am sure I will get the hang of it.