Monday, December 14, 2009

The downside of quilts...

Finishing Blossom's quilt has had to be put on hold for a few days. :-(
I remembered yesterday why I don't make a lot of quilts...it's all that rotary cutting. The recurring tendonitis in my hand and wrist reacts dreadfully to any prolonged use of the rotary cutter, and there was a lot of that in the preparation and sewing of Blossom's quilt top.
Apart from the initial cutting of the fabrics, I also check every single seam stitched on every single block, trimming accordingly to keep perfectly sized borders. That was a lot of rotary cutting last week!
Now my shoulder and my hand are not very happy, but with 10 days yet to have it completed and wrapped, I'm sure I can take a few days off.

Today I still had to finish some hand sewing, mostly things I cannot show you as they are gifts for a group of close friends, but I will show you a sneak peek of a new free design I'll be sharing tomorrow on our Gum Tree Designers blog...

...it's quite fanciful, and something you can stitch up in a day.
Make sure you are visiting our Gum Trees blog each day through Advent as we are sharing free ideas from all over the crafting world to help your Christmas projects along - and we've even added a few new ones from our own creative minds!

For now though, I'm off to share a cuppa with my husband before the next chapter of my book...I might even indulge in some dark chocolate Tim Tams. Would you like one?

Cheery hugs
Jenny
xxx

18 comments:

Kate/Massachusetts said...

Jenny, I get tendinits in my elbows from prolonged knitting. I have found that icing the area really helps. I take small paper cups (3 oz size), fill them with water and freeze solid. To use one, peel a bit of the paper from the top edge and then massage the injured area with the ice. The paper cup makes it so easy to hold the ice. Peel down the paper as needed. Ice the area for short periods of time several times per day. You don't want to ice the area so long that your skin turns white - that could hurt you! Good luck! I hope you are better soon!

KaHolly said...

Great idea, Kate! I'm definetly going to pass that one along.

Jenny, if I was nearby, I'd do all your rotary cutting for you. Mend quickly.

Jane said...

Take care of your arm my friend. I too get sore arms with a lot of cutting. Oh yes please, chocolate..... Had to google for tim tams, never heard of them in the UK. But after reading about them on wikipedia they sound scrumptious. Have an extra one for me:) hugs xxx

Maggey and Jim said...

OH,sorry to hear that. Do you have one that's ergonomic? Do you think that would help? I know you will finish the quilt but sending prayers your way. Love all the gum tree projects..
Sending cool breezes your way..
Maggey

Carrie P. said...

Oh that is no fun. I can definitely empathize with you. I have to wear my braces all the times but I still have a constant twinge in my elbow.
Take it easy and get better soon.

Allie said...

Oh yes rotary cutting - it'll do you in for sure! I'm not nearly as careful as you when it comes to putting it together though. That's why I love wonky quilts, lol!
Can't wait to see your new project - enjoy your book and rest up, sweetie!

Anna Rosa Designs said...

Hi Jenny,
Wow, you are one busy lady.
I'm not sure how big your town is, or if your local GP does acupuncture, however I've recently had four sessions for a very painful shoulder (from using the computer) and its worked a treat!
Blossoms quilt is gorgeous, you should be very proud.
Hugs,
Anna

Sharon (Stitches on Mars) said...

Hi Jenny,
I, too get tendonitis in my right wrist...why couldn't it be my left *vbg*. Rest is the only option...though I haven't tried Kate's idea. Hope it clears up soon.
Blossum's quilt looks wonderful as does your sneak peek.
Enjoy your coffee and yes I'll have a Tim Tam :)
Hugs,
Sharon

Robin in New Jersey said...

Sorry about the hand, Jenny. :(

Heading over to Gum Tree now to see what surprises you have in store for us today!

paulette said...

HI Jenny!!
Thanks so much for the dancing trees!!! How sweet are they! I have printed them off and put them in my 'to do' pile!! They make me happy just looking at them!
Paulette

Betsy said...

Thank you Jenny for the great sneak peak. I hope your tendinitis heals up fast!

edyB said...

Thanks, Jenny, for the sweet 'Three Trees' design.

Hope your feel better soon.
edyB

SheilaC said...

Love, love, love the dancing trees! Thank you for sharing them, tendinitis and all!

Take care of yourself so you can enjoy the holiday!

SheilaC

MissesStitches said...

Jennifer, I love the "Three Trees Dancing" stitchery! It's beautiful. I just found Gum Tree Designs and that is wonderful. What fun it must be!

Shari said...

Be sure and pace yourself to prevent injury! Hope you recover quickly - I'm sure Blossom wouldn't want you to hurt yourself... and I would absolutely love a Tim Tam, but none in the house... enjoy your cuppa!

Hugs - Shari

SewLindaAnn said...

Here's hoping for quick healing. I've been using those Icy/Hot patches and they're working really well. I love the trees, it's definitely my favorite. What's a Tim Tam?

Florence said...

thanks !This stitchery is gorgeous !

Gloria J W said...

Hi Jenny... I've fallen behind and am just catching up.. The weather is too sticky for Tim Tams!! The chocolate will just all melt off...but oooh the delight of licking it off the fingers@@
Rainbow smiles... Gloria