Hi Quilty Girls...the response to this month's topic was huge...and it has very little to do with quilting. In case you missed it, here is an exerpt from last month's newsletter where I shared about my battle with depression:
This newsletter is getting to you a little late because I've been "under the weather." That's the white bread, politically correct way of not exposing what is really going on. It's much the same as saying "I'm fine" when you are dying inside. Well here's the truth of the matter...I have an ongoing battle with depression and for some reason April was a struggle for me. Please know that I am only sharing this in an effort to raise awareness and reach out to any of you who may be suffering alone.
Here are some of the ways that depression is so powerful over us (please note: I'm not a psychiatrist...I'm just speaking from my own experience):
Here are just a few more thoughts on this subject before I move on:
All joking aside, I think that depression is a spiritual illness whereby the powers of darkness in this world attack us, isolate us, and drain our very spirit. Thankfully there is a Power exponentially greater than those of the dark. The darkness will lose its grip on you if you seek God, medical help, and open up to your friends. Ask them to pray for you. That's how I am able to write this to you today. I finally went to my friends of faith and shared this burden with them. I specifically asked them to pray for me. Prayer works. Medication helps. Open up and trust that God will bring about great healing in your life.
Now I'll share a sampling of the emails that I received on this. I took out all names and personal info to protect the anonymity of those who shared on this very personal topic.
And if you read far enough, you'll be rewarded with some actual tips/humor for quilting!!
Take care and have a great month! Pam
Depression
I felt like your words on depression were describing me! I, too, have suffered with clinical depression for the past twenty years. I had never thought about your wet blanket analogy, but how true! My image was always like being in a deep hole with a black veil over my head. I always feel like I can't see colors when I have a bout of depression. (A problem for a quilter, you know!) Thankfully, because of medical treatment and a wonderful, understanding husband, I can always come out of it. Many times I didn't know if I could. But, usually now, I can keep telling myself that I'll come around and sort of believe it until I do. Thank you for sharing so openly what many of us feel.
You wrote well about what depression is and how vague it is and how daunting it is. I share this burden. I share the ache and the vulnerability is causes. It has improved over time and the bouts have shortened in duration, and don’t crop up as often, but boy when it creeps in, wham it lays me low. Take your vitamins and calcium, walk and eat right and laugh a lot. All that aside, do what you need to do to endure and stop feeling guilty over every little thing that you think you might have done wrong.
I have been on medication for about 20 years now and each day I thank God for it.
Depression is not a character flaw! Depression is not something you can 'snap out of'! If your bones and joints hurt, it is probably the chemical imbalance causing it. TAKE SOMETHING like naproxen (Aleve). There are a couple of things I have found that help stave off an attack. 1. Keep the lights on. Electricity is cheaper than medicine and the light builds endorphins. Get out in the sun and fresh air. 2. Do what it takes to make you feel better; a nap, a chat with a (cheerful) friend, chocolate, The Three Stooges, throw something at the wall, whatever. 3. Don't; make any major decisions until the attack passes, try to tough it out, throw anything at the cat, let anyone tell you 'its all in your head' (even though it is, technically), apologize.
The beautiful thing about women is that we care about other women; I doubt any one who just read your newsletter was turned off about your honest discussion and heavy topic. In fact I bet that many of the women that read your newsletter suffer from depression themselves or love someone that has it. I am a quilter but also a mental health therapist - the way you describe depression is right on the money – heart breakingly so, you have my deepest condolences. Both of my parents struggle with clinical depression and my husband (I believe) has Seasonal Affective Disorder (depressed in the winter) - it's hard enough being the wife, mother, daughter, sister, employee; having to hold everything together for everyone - adding depression to the mix is crushing - hang in there.
I always remember a statement that lecturer shared at a Bible study. She said never let Satan use anything in your life against you by making you think that it is too much of a burden, it needs to be a secret, or that no one will care. Nothing is too heavy or too much of a burden for God. Satan isolates and destroys, while God unites, repairs, and delights in you. You are not alone and in more common company than you think. I have been feeling the same oppressive wet blanket. I have a wonderful sewing room (minus a stand-up frame though!) and have just gone in there and stared at fabric and felt a drain in creative energy. And I have time to sew, too, how sad is that?! I am hoping that the sun, warming weather, singing birds and blooming flowers lifts energy in us all and brews some creative spirits.
Your newsletter really struck a note with me since I have suffered depression for almost as long as I can remember. I used to say to myself, "Get off it! You have nothing to be depressed about. You have a wonderful husband, two special sons and their lovely wives and grandchildren. We live in a lovely home, etc. etc.” It really has nothing to do with all these things it turns out.
You write of putting a good face on it and I did for so many years. My husband had an inkling, but my children as they grew up, our friends, and family would all have told you how happy I was. (I must say that I still don't tell most people I am bi-polar because they just don't know what to do with that fact, and then they are embarrassed. So many of my well educated friends still talk about someone who might be "manic" or schizophrenic or bi-polar being "crazy.") I pulled my head out from under the covers and smiled and just lived a lie. I finally, after so many years that I am embarrassed to tell you, went to a psychiatrist (again, a shameful thing to do!) and in just minutes she was able to tell me that I am bi-polar (manic-depressive) on the depressive side. At that moment I relaxed and knew there was help available. I do take medications to even out the mood swings and an antidepressant (which means I don't get those occasional highs that feel so good and allow me to get so much done… followed by some unpleasant side effects). I am glad to get up each morning and to smile from the heart rather than from the habit.
There is a terrific book, "An Unquiet Mind" by and about Kay Redfield Jamison (a professor of psychiatry at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine) who went through medical school with bi-polar disease. She writes of the highs and lows, and although her disease was far more pronounced than mine (she actually tried to take her own life), I would have told you she was looking over my shoulder and into my life. It's easy and interesting reading (fascinating even), and worth reading if only you can help one other person.
I'm glad you opened up to us and let us know about your struggle with depression. I've had an ongoing battle for over ten years now; it waxes and wanes in part with the seasons and in part with the stressors of life. Before I got treatment, I felt like I was in a cold, barren place that held no emotions, no connections to anyone, and no way to leave.
Thankfully, I knew I needed help, and when my primary physician didn't make the diagnosis, I went to a doctor who did. My primary care physician asked if I felt sad, and I said no, because I didn't. It took me several hours (well after the appointment was over) to realize that I didn't feel anything at all. The doctor, like many people, thought that if you're depressed, you feel sad. Depression is so much worse.
I have to keep a regular vigil for the symptoms now. You are right in that it seeps into your life. I tried explaining it to my husband about how it messes up the way you think about everything. For instance, if he would say my hair looked nice, I would hear that the rest of the time it looked like a rat's nest. A "That's a great outfit" from a friend or co-worker became "Finally, you got some fashion sense!"
I told my husband that it's hard to recognize the symptoms as they creep in because it's like having a yardstick that's 40" long. Everything you measure comes up short, and you get frustrated about why the world isn't working right. You don't realize the world is fine, and it's your defective instrument that makes it look all wrong. I think that's one reason why people who've never had this struggle don't understand, and think we should just "decide" to get over it. Like you said, a person with diabetes would never be encouraged to go off insulin, and just "think" herself back to normal.
Again, thank you for sharing your depression with us. I know how very selective I am about who I tell, because I don't need more people telling me to just stop taking medication and get over it. It is not a weakness. If fact, I believe my journey out of that barren place I described was the hardest thing I have ever done. Congratulations to you for making that journey.
I'm sure you're going to get LOADS of mail about depression, because you are not alone! Mine tends to be mild and seasonally related. One of the NEAT things about being a quilter is that surrounding oneself with all those wonderful fabric COLORS really seems to help me. I know that it doesn't work for everyone, though. May quilting and the prayers of God's people continue to help you!
Sorry to hear you also have the depression. I was born with it, literally. There is a genetic component to depression, and runs in families quite like alcoholism, and those to may be connected.
I have the genetic type and also a situational type. It is a bummer, but then I also make the choice every morning, before I get out of bed, how much I am going to allow the depression to flavor my day. Yes, I have learned some techniques to moderate the severity, part is making choices like not thinking about negative stuff, and also it does include taking prescribed medication.
I also give myself permission, when nothing is working to go feel depressed. A wise professor of psychology once told me that a person can be half depressed all their life or go ahead and take 3 days and feel depressed. Wallow in it. Stay in bed, with a good book, sleep when you want, eat only what you want, when you want, and at the end of the 3 days get my but out of bed and get on with living life. No, positive thinking will not cure depression, but not giving space in my mind to negative thoughts makes my life a whole lot easier.
Those of us who suffer from severe depression are the first to go into denial because of the social stigma attached to it. For me personally, it took from 1999 to December 2005 to "accept" the diagnosis; I'm not a quick learner can you tell?!!
My diagnosis with depression was Bi-polar Disorder. That's to say I HAVE BI-POLAR DISORDER not I AM BIPOLAR. Just like you relate to diabetes -- a friend is not Diabetes they HAVE DIABETES. It doesn't define who we are. I found a book, Bi-polar for Dummies which explains how depression works in the brain and it is genetic (if you can find a family member to talk about it!) and I refer to it often. There's also a website I enjoy -- it's www.psychtracker.com. They send you a reminder daily to login and rate where you are that day emotionally, physically and chart it along with any triggers that you experienced either that day or the day prior. Pretty soon you find a common thread that occurs and sets us back and once you know what it is, you can make choices to avoid those situations or people and eliminate them; you can avoid over-booking yourself by not doing multiple commitments in a day (that's a killer for me).
Following a regular schedule helps too; you're supposed to go to bed every night at the same time. Just doing that one thing made a big difference.
My other trigger for depression is sun-deprivation so when it gets really overcast, rainy and grey I have a tough day. Oh, this book says within 15 minutes after you wake up in the morning you should turn on as many lights in the house as possible; we need the light to re-set our brain -- interesting but it DOES WORK. So I look at this whole process of education on this disorder as a "journey" and it's only by sharing our "journey" that we can find peace.
I do have some tips for those suffering from depression - especially during the winter - turn ON all the lights and sit next to one that gives off most of the light. You may be suffering from a special vitamin A and D deficiency that only light can give you.
Although I only suffer from very mild and short spells of depression now, many years ago I had a sort-of breakdown and spent some time in hospital. When it was over, I remember clearly how upset my friends were that I had not told them how bad things were. I thought I had to be the super-wife, -mother,
-secretary, etc. etc. and kept everything to myself, but finally discovered that I was just as human as everyone else!
I am so glad you decided to reach out for help. Prayer partners are great. I truly am a believer that prayer changes things. I know it is rough because I have been there myself. It seems to creep up on you before you realize something is wrong and know you need help far greater than your own. You know you aren't alone but many women feel like they are and they are the only ones to experience depression. You are right medications help but prayer worked more so for me. Now I am where I can recognize it when it starts to come on and stop it at the start.
I, too, suffer from depression....I totally know what you are describing... plus, just when "you think" you have it under control, it takes you for yet another ride. I suffer doubly from manic/depression (Bipolar is my diagnosis) and I successfully take a low dose of Seroquel and it really helps me.
I also take a regular dose of PRAYER from friends and family....that is, when I allow myself to ask for such ... not always a luxury as you know...the asking part...
Hang in there...sharing this information with all of us is a BIG step It is also very trusting of you to share and I thank you and applaud you for doing so. Don't let it keep you down...take your own advice and keep close watch over your symptoms and tell your Doctor ALL that is happening...it is the only way they can diagnose and help you.
Seroquel keeps me pretty level...I'm not staying up for 72 hours at a time (although that is when I got a lot of quilting done!)....that's the manic side of me...and I am able to wake up and function semi-normally every morning.
I thought you made some excellent points in your letter regarding depression and how important it is to take your medication. As a nurse I see people struggle with that - as they feel they should just give themselves a kick up the backside and get on with it - but it is not that simple.
It really is just a chemical imbalance in the brain, but there is still some stigma attached to it for some folk - which is such a shame. Good for you for being so open and honest about it - you won't believe how many people out there share what you are going through and are too afraid to admit it.
Hang in there. I know what you mean by the dark side. I also believe in prayer. I am the director of a Prayer Quilt Ministry at our church. We have presented 200 quilts (just under twin bed size) to people who need to know that they are supported by prayer. It has been a wonderful ministry for me personally and the 30 ladies that work in this ministry every week. Prayer does change things…I really believe in that or I would not be a part of the ministry....May God bless you and bring you "fullness of JOY".
I advocate NAMI as a great resource for you as well as your family and friends. If you haven't heard of NAMI it stands for National Alliance of Mental Illness--a very good group of people to help you and get answers! www.nami.org
I'm so sorry to hear what you've been going through. I've "been there, done that" and it's horrible. It would almost be better if I had been bruised and limping - at least then everybody would understand and feel sorry for me. Since depression usually shows no obvious evidence, people just thought I was weird or lazy or whatever they could conjure up.
I've had two things help me. The first was Paxil. I take the lowest possible dose and it has made a huge difference. I hope I never have to give it up. I joke about having to buy Paxil "on the street" if they take it off the market.
Then, after about 4 years on Paxil, I got somewhat depressed again - more like just lethargic with no energy, but it's hard to tell the difference, even for me. A gal in my office told me she went through some of that after her hysterectomy and they put her on Estratest HS (half strength). It's estrogen and testosterone. I take the smallest dose, every other day, along with a Provera generic, and THAT has helped as much as the Paxil. Even though at that time my problem was energy-related, having no energy can lead to depression (as can chronic pain). The Estratest has a slight tendency to darken facial hair (for me at least), but there are no other side effects. I read just yesterday that when women reach that "certain" age, our leg hair grows slower and thinner, but then we have more time to take care of our newly-acquired mustache!!!
I'm making light of it now, but depression is really not a laughing matter.
I deal with SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) every year. It's pretty much self-diagnosed, but I'm quite sure it's accurate. I don't need to go into the details, but the short story is I get lower when the sun gets lower (I live in the Northeast). Around March, I have this growling few weeks when I make the transition from ugly and impossible to deal with, to starting to feel better again.
I really have to check out my Ott-lite to see if it's the right kind of light to help me with SAD. If so, what better excuse to sew on those dark winter evenings! And even if it isn't the right kind of light, I find that doing what I love helps get me through that time. So I will sew on!
Please know that your words touched me deeply, as I also suffer from depression (sometimes "mild", sometimes "major"). You hit the target with everything you said, and it was brave of you to put yourself out there like that. I get by with the help (and interventions) of my very good friends, medication, and therapy (My therapist is also a good friend by now!).
Please do not apologize for a "heavy" newsletter. It was quite the opposite. It lightens the load of all of us who suffer from bouts of depression. Have you not heard that a burden shared is half the burden? Thanks for your honesty. It truly helps us all.
Cheers to you for opening up & sharing with others. That alone can go a long way in helping you come back. And prayers are a tremendous encouragement. I, too, suffer from bouts of depression. I have since I was about 12 years old, when the hormones kicked in. I used to think that I would end up in an insane asylum someday. It wasn't until I was almost crazy in my early thirties that I found out that it is a real disease and treatable. I agree that it can be a spiritual condition. It seems that when I am planning a ladies banquet or tea or Sunday School class or anywhere the gospel is being presented is when I seem to be attacked the hardest. I now know that "this too, shall pass". And so, I call on the Lord & sometimes girlfriends, I rebuke Satan, & go on. It does always pass & because I have suffered I have been able to minister to others who suffer also. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose". It also allows me to appreciate more & be thankful for all the good times in my life.
I'm sure sorry you're grappling with this monster...no fun, is it? Yep, I've got it too. About all I've got to say is that Celexa has saved my life. I've been on it for about 4 years now and suspect I may need it for quite a while longer. So be it... because I never want to go back to those dark days of crying for no reason.
Thanks for sharing your experience with depression. I am one of those for whom medications did not work. They might have helped, but I was so groggy I couldn't tell. Anyway, I am working my way back to mental health through EFT: emotional freedom techniques. There is plenty of free information on the internet if you are interested. Just thought I'd mention it to you since it is helping me.
Thank you for being open about depression. My mother committed suicide in the 70's. It devastated me & took me over 10 years to understand. Back then people wouldn't talk about mental illness. Often people made jokes which just tore me up even though I knew it was an illness like cancer that the person had little control over without proper help.
Then I began to experience a bit of depression on & off. I was lucky to just have gloom depression. My doctor suggested one of those sun lamps but they were way too expensive, so I thought. Looking back, had I spent the money and sat under that light daily maybe I could have felt better sooner.
Also, to treat your depression you need to find the best doctor for you and the correct meds just like we do for other illnesses; and of course, this while praying because a God will always guide you in the right direction.
I, too, suffer from depression. January and February are my bad months. I know this is coming each year and even though I have been taking meds for years, it still happens. Sooooo, I don't plan quilts or anything that need great concentration and just try to keep from stressing because I know that it will go away sooner or later. I have found that lots and lots of daylight really helps. Road trip to Arizona?!! We used to travel and spent the winter in Arizona and that is how I found out daylight helped me. I agree about keep trying until you find the meds that work for you. Thank you for sharing about this. Too many people just think it's all in your head and it really is an imbalance in your system.
As for depression - been there, done that - and occasionally still do that.
The only advice - if you want to call it that - is something you already know:
IT IS A DISEASE, not a figment of your imagination, not laziness, not lack of interest or any of a hundred other things! Take your medicine, keep your faith and when it gets really bad, try to remember "this too shall pass". I am pleased to say that, like grief, it does get better with time.
I have come from suicidal in 1969 (before medication) to an occasional bout of depression - maybe a couple of times a year (and they are shorter in duration than they used to be). I have also found over the years that when I feel an episode coming on, if I get involved in a project that really interests me I can lessen the feelings of helplessness - they don't go away, but they are less intense. And finally, NEVER be afraid to reach out and ask for help or prayers!!!
Thank you for sharing your story of your depression with us. You are brave and thoughtful to share such a personal part of your life with us. I also share with others my experience of going thru a similar period and not knowing what was wrong because everything seemed ok. After seeing a Doctor and her telling me it was depression, I went on medication and am not in it anymore. My biggest sign was lack of inspiration and creativity and not understanding where it went. She told me my transmitters were off and we needed to get them back.
I too suffer from depression. I found a wonderful psychiatrist 25 years ago who was an angel in disguise. If not for him and the medication he put me on, I wouldn't be here today.
There is an old movie with Olivia DeHaviland called The Snake Pit. It's about being depressed. You feel like you are in this deep well and you are trying to claw your way to the top, but you can't get out. With help and medication, you finally make it to the top and crawl out. What a difference.
I suffered silently for years with severe depression because I had been led to believe if I was "right" with God I wouldn't need medication, etc. What a relief to finally discover that Christians can be living as they ought to and still be depressed. Medication has made me feel "normal" again. I have been on it for years now but can still remember how I use to feel.
So, just to say it again to all who read this.....If something doesn't feel right -- it probably isn't. GO GET SOME HELP!! NOW!! Don't waste another day feeling down, tired, sleepy, unconcerned, lazy beyond normal, no ambition, finding yourself not enjoying what you used to enjoy, not caring about things, etc.....
There is lots of help out there...go find it and feel better and like your old self again.
It's very interesting that you put into words what we feel. It is so very peculiar that we don't feel this is a problem that merits serious treatment. When I finally went to the doctor just for a check up (after putting it off for years), I ended up crying just after answering routine questions. Fortunately, this doctor has a very compassionate personality. I told her things that had been bottled up for years. She diagnosed Dysthemia, which is a chronic type of depression that had been plaguing me for years. I could hide so much of my sadness, but I had no feelings anymore, just a general despair. She prescribed a medication and I have a life back. It's been 5 years now and I have changed the prescription only once. I can still feel sad, but not the dwelling and rehashing of every moment that I did for years. What a relief.
I hope you are able to find some medication that will help. It has been my 40 year experience that an Rx that has helped, seems to lose effectiveness (or causes some other problem) and may need changed. I think as our body chemistry changes, so does the Rx that helps. Thanks for sharing--you are not alone.
Thanks for being so honest in your newsletter about depression. My mother was bi-polar and would never take any meds for her condition. There were times when we had quite a time with her. I finally faced my problems with depression about 3 years after rededicating my life to Christ in 2001. I didn't want to think about taking (or needing) a prescription, but it's the best thing I have done for myself. I take Lexapro. I would have been so much happier in my 20's and 30's if I could have faced my issues. I thought if I was a Christian, I shouldn't feel depressed. Now I realize it is an illness that needs attention.
I have to tell you that I have been suffering from depression since I was a young girl. Back then, nobody really understood it. Even now, many well meaning people just say "Cheer up. You have such a wonderful life." If only... I just wanted you to know there are others out here who really know what it's like….Others who have to be hospitalized for it…Others who feel paralyzed by it…Others who just want to hide and ignore the world.
Do you know how good it made me feel to read your description of depression? So accurate! You are so not alone in this struggle – I find each day is a challenge, especially when my sister questions why I need the meds, or my husband can’t figure out why I’m so lethargic. I do find joy in every day (moving to California from Illinois was a boon – all that sunshine!!), and my cats & dogs make me smile, at least, and laugh regularly. Quilting is great therapy & I find I don’t need to have finished something to get a good deal of benefit from it. Just the process is very soothing & empowering.
I recommend a sunny climate, and MORE QUILTING!!
I just wanted to let you know that I, too, suffered a bit of depression after having had a back surgery that didn't allow me to bounce right back afterwards like expected. I think depression is one tricky little illness to get over because there is (at least for me) some shame involved...like if you're a good Christian, living the good life, you shouldn't be depressed. Then I think because of the isolation, it is really difficult to get out of the funk. It took me a lot of prayer and Bible reading to overcome the depression, as well as a few timely phone calls and e-mails from friends. I also had lots of great friends praying for my back to recover, and what a blessing it is to know that there are so many people praying for you!!
Quilting Machine
I use a B-line for my quilting and I love it! I used to get my quilts quilted professionally or struggle with them myself at my sewing machine. The money I have saved by quilting my own has more than paid for my quilting system. I tend to 'save' up my quilt tops until I have three or four and then set the B-line up, and spend my time quilting. Their website is www.tobequilting.com
Carolyn in Aldergrove
I have a New Joy home quilting frame that I use with a Brother 1500s that I just love. I'm not an expert but I can finish a quilt so it is nice looking and good enough for a gift. The main thing is they get finished and don't in up in a box for someday. There is a learning curve and practice, practice, practice is the key. Lessons are out there and I would recommend taking what you can. It helps with the stress of a new tool and speeds you on to success….Lots of help on the internet, too. Yahoo has a home quilting group as does the Hinterberg frame site. There are lots of very knowledgeable people who are more that happy to help and answer every question. Phyllis Miles in Washington
Just had to say a few words about the machine quilting system which my husband bought me for last year's birthday….It is now in a large cardboard box under my worktable with its long rods standing in the corner. It was going to be the answer to all those UFO’s sitting in the cupboard. The only quilt that actually got finished I gave to the dog as I couldn't bear anyone to see the quilting.
I even bought a long throated machine to try and make things better, but nothing would make this any easier to use. I guess I am not meant to work this way. I am back to mostly hand quilting which is slower but much more satisfying. I do a little machine quilting on my ordinary machine if the project is small enough or else I pay someone with a long arm machine to do it for me.
I have a regular size Hinty frame with 72" poles. I wish they could be longer, but my room just isn't big enough. I have a Juki tl98e. I love my frame…it is the best. I've had it for about a year and a half. You can sit and quilt. You just need a chair on wheels. It works great! It is sooooo much better than trying to wrestle those quilts under a regular size machine. Love it, love it, love it! Barb in Michigan
I bought a Handi Quilter 2 frame last year and used it with my Juki. I did several twin quilts and large throws on it. It worked great, but I was frustrated with the limited throat space when I got to the end of the twins. I would only have 2" - 4" of quilting space, so it limited the designs I could do.
I loved the process of quilting on the frame and moving the machine instead of draping the quilt all over myself. Loved it so much that I went out and bought an HQ16! It's a machine with 16" in the throat and works on a four bar frame. Just did 2 large wallhangings on it this weekend and was thrilled with the much larger quilting area. Kate
If I were to recommend anything to other quilters - I would recommend the Hinterberg. It is well made of sturdy wood, well engineered, and works smoothly. It is also probably the least expensive frame available. I did a lot of research and found this one the best for the money of any available. Patsy
Hair Color
I have a friend that is older than me, who works with the very elderly. One day we were talking about hair dying.
She colors, I don't. She said she noticed the ladies when they died, had JUST had their hair done almost every single time! We debated, "do they know they are on their way to being called home, or do the chemicals in the dye push their little bodies over the edge?!" They did look good in the casket!
That was enough for my friend; she quit having her hair colored. She got it cut into a smooth, short flip under, with no perm and she let the gray come. She looks beautiful! No more chemicals for her! Trudy Stubbs
I can sooooo relate to the whole color or not issue! I started noticing some "silver highlights" in my hair about 5 years ago, not enough to have to cover up of course, but still they did bug me. But NO MORE! What's wrong with a bit of gray? I love the look of "heathered" color fabric, all that means is woven with gray- like me! When my younger cousin, who happens to be my best friend-quilting buddy, also started getting "highlights" we decided to go gray together. Now I'm working on a quilt with that theme. If I ever get it done I'll send a picture, so really this spans the topic of gray hair and unfinished projects. How multi-tasking can I get?!
Mary in Wisconsin
Sewing Machine Needles
Am wondering if I am the only one old enough to remember when my dad would "re-sharpen" my mother's sewing machine needles for her? I was five when my grandmother would let me sit on her lap and she would run the pedal and I would push the material under the needle of the little Featherweight machine to make doll clothes. I have been sewing ever since (fifty-some years). I bought a new machine about a year ago (I now have 7, including the little Featherweight) and purchased an assortment of needles to go with the machine - wing, double, etc. On some projects I have changed needles as many as three or four times to accomplish what needs to be done. I don't remember my mother ever changing needles except to take the needle out and have my Dad sharpen it. My how times have changed! Julia
Quilt Tops
My friend always says a quilt is finished when the top is done. The fun was in picking the fabrics and piecing. I agree. Besides, if we all finish everything, what bargains will future quilters be able to find when our kids sell off all of our treasures when we are gone? Kate
Some humor: I was looking for a pattern the other day and came across some old photos of some quilts that I had made back in the late 70's/early 80's. Good gracious - was I ever into calicos! Now I just love the bright colors and batiks!!!! What a difference in my quilt pattern choices also!