questioning my sense of normality
How was your weekend? I am still enjoying the last few moments of ours, as always trying to make it last just a little bit longer. The laundry is folded, the children washed and the dog fed - all good. I managed to squeeze in quite a lot of making. I made a cake, knitted a few rows on my cardigan and started quilting Alistair's quilt. I am machine quilting this one as I really need to rest my arm. I don't think hand sewing makes it worse (it is a pain free activity) but it probably also doesn't help because of the repetitive movement. Mostly though I have been removing papers from my hexagon quilt. Yes, the top is finished! I am a bit sad. I have been questioning my sense of normality today. First I am carefully sewing fabric onto several hundred paper hexagons, then I spend several months sewing the hexagons together and now I am removing the papers one by one. An alien observing me from afar must be thinking that woman is bonkers. It is a slow process, removing all the papers. I am methodically cutting the little knots of and then gently pull the thread out. I don't want to distort the fabric by being too forceful. All the half hexagons along the side are glue basted and I am finding it quite tricky to remove those papers without fraying the fabric. It is probably a matter of practice. The process of removing papers is oddly satisfying. At the going rate, it is going to take a few more days.
In other news, we had a waffle feast for breakfast and I went for my first jog in months. It was hard moving those heavy legs but my lungs work well. I am doing a walk jog routine with the couch to 5 k app. It is dead boring and I really just want to run but I am no spring chicken, I am fat and my body aches all over. Best to take it gently to avoid another injury. I bought new running shoes for James yesterday, in my favourite local running shop. This triggered happy memories of running with the shops informal running group, way back in time when pounding the pavement was still easy. Wish me luck.
Time to pick up those knitting needles. It is cardigan weather and I want to get my purple cardigan of the needles this side of Christmas. Have a lovely week. xx
I went to see A Star is Born today with a friend, go see it if you can, it was fantastic and I do not say that lightly. Enjoy the last moments of your weekend and have a great week.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of squeezing every last moment out of the weekend. Well done on the quilt top, I love the bit of taking out the papers - it's suddenly soft and lovely. I quite often wonder what aliens would make of some of the things we do here - mostly when I see people just staring at screens. The hexagons would make perfect sense I am certain. Pretty! Warm! Aliens would no doubt appreciate the craftsmanship. I hope your weekend lasts just a little bit longer and that you have a good week. CJ xx
ReplyDeleteI started to jog when I first began taking Patch for a regular run but I jiggled way too much so now I just walk fast! I can't believe how quickly your hexagon blanket has come together and I can't wait to see it when it's finished. Enjoy your week. xx Susan
ReplyDeleteGood for you for jogging again, Christina.
ReplyDeleteI lack discipline when it comes to exercising regularly.
I hope you have a great week.
I am very impressed with your quilt making progress. That blanket will be treasured forever. Very good for you to do your exercising. I find it's such a commitment to swim 3 times a week.. it's kind of like having a part-time job! Enjoy your week. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
ReplyDeleteI always feel like it is the half way point when you take the papers out, although I am sure it isn't but it does feel good. I am not a runner, never really have been but I do go to aerobics each week which I never want to go to but enjoy once I get there.
ReplyDeleteExciting stuff. Ah I should have mentioned that you only need a bit of glue! Have a good week. Jo x
ReplyDeleteGood for you on the running, Christina. I've never enjoyed running, mainly because my um...bust parts...can never be restrained comfortably enough. I like to walk, though, and I have an exercise bike that I should be using more often. I have never tried paper-piecing but I would like to someday. I always feel like I don't have the dexterity for it. You work fast and so neatly. I can't wait to see the top!
ReplyDeleteThe quilt looks great.. looking forward to seeing the cardigan.
ReplyDeleteYay on the running.. I have started to work out a little on and off.. I am so bad at it since it is so unfun.. but boy do things start to hurt.
http://www.henatayeb.blogspot.com
Cheering on all your good efforts...running, knitting, and paper-piecing!!! I need to watch a video of paper-piecing which intimidates me as I contemplate it. Over the weekend I attended several meetings and had a quick meal with three of my adult kids, and our house was shown again! xx
ReplyDeleteHi Christina - I keep starting the couch to 5k programme and end up giving up before I get to Week 4 - my knee tends to object. I'd like to join the regular 5k park run which happens near here but think it's a long term project. Good luck with your running.
ReplyDeleteSue has started crocheting her third Christmas blanket/throw. She gave the first to our daughter and has donated the second to a lady who rescues cats for her Christmas auction. Her starting bid is $200. There's about $100 of wool in it and many hours of work.
ReplyDeleteI had her do a guest blog after the first one. https://anvilcloud.blogspot.com/2017/02/the-afghan-explained.html
Fantastic that you’re back running. Taking it slow is the way forward. Unpicking the paper from the quilt sounds like a kind of meditation or mindfulness exercise. No pictures of Jack in unusual places today?? 😆 xx
ReplyDeleteI admire your commitment to get back into running, Christina, but walking the treadmill daily in the gym here is more my speed. This way, I can walk as fast or slow as I want with no fear of trips. Of course, the scenery tens to get very boring very quickly.
ReplyDeleteI seem to only read your blog posts in bursts, but what a treat that is - I love the sense of you and your family that shines through. And I loved the photo of Jack on the ironing board from a couple of posts ago :) xx
ReplyDeleteI like your summary of the quilt making process - a bit like a Bob Newhart monologue. Looking forward to seeing your knitting (I do love a cardi). Well done on the jogging and hope you stay injury free.
ReplyDeleteI still have fond memories of days when I would go out with a running club and wish I could still do it. I then it is best not to question the whole process of quiltmaking from pieced fabrics and just enjoy it. Hope your week is going well x
ReplyDeleteWow what a lot of work I bet it's going to be a masterpiece when complete!
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