Wednesday 29 January 2014

WOYWW 243 - I'm back...kind of.....

Well after a long absence, which included two operations and numerous dialysis treatments, I'm now starting to get into a sort of routine. It's life changing having dialysis, but I'm getting used to it I suppose.
 
The main thing I missed was crafting and my crafting buddies on WOYWW, but I'm trying to get back into doing some small items. Mainly colouring as I'm not allowed to lift anything with my Fistula arm after my operation on Wednesday.
 
It didn't go well as the regional block didn't work and I felt every cut until they knocked me out with a general...phew....thank heavens for that!!!

 
So here's one of my efforts, a little elephant, stamped twice and decoupaged with some glitter. Boy do I miss our little old lady kitty Domi when using glitter. She usually ended up with more on her than I did and that's saying something!!! We miss her every day.....

Here's a completed card I made for a friend who is also running a charity and I make crochet blankets for her. I'm hoping to start doing some when on dialysis, should get loads done with just sitting for hours on end, unless the machine gets set off by the movement I suppose. Will have to try it and see, have a test run!
 
Another question, does anyone have a pattern for lacy wrist warmers? My hand is so cold after the fistula operation and it might get worse so anything to keep them warm and stop them going numb would help! Thanks!
 
It'd be great to hear from anyone who remembers me after all this time!
 
Happy Crafting everyone! :-)

18 comments:

Twiglet said...

So glad to see you back crafting - what a rough time you have had. Your cards are lovely. Sorry I can't help with a wrist warmer pattern but you will probably find one on Ravelry. Have a good week. x Jo

Unknown said...

Hi Karen - you have been through the mill. I can't imagine it and not being able to craft either. I am sure as you get into the swing of things you will soon be a master at finding great crafty projects to fill your dialysis sessions. Might even be able to inspire some other folk whist you are there! Love your cute nelly image. Welcome back though. This is definitely a great place to take your mind of your troubles. Thank you for popping by. WOYWW Hugs from Helen 74 x

JoZart Designs said...

How good and how postive and chirpy you are despite all you have been through. Crafting helps keep the mind channelled doesn't it.
Molly Makes had a lovely pattern for wrist warmers but my copy went to DD in Germany. Ask if anyone gets it and can give you a copy.
I make wrist warmers from fabric . Posh ones in tweed or velour to match clothes and for going out and fleece ones for indoors. Quicker and cheaper.
Most fabric stores will sell a quarter yard/meter.
I couldn't buy velour so bought a cheap pair of lounger trousers in Primark for £3 and cut them up to make lots and lots.
Jo x No49.

Carmen said...

Have you tried Pinterest for a pattern?

Love your cards - especially the elephant :) Hope you manage to crochet without to much trouble.

Carmen #75

Gill said...

Hi Karen
Lovely to see you back loved the elephant cant help with the wrist warmers but will ask a friend of mine. Love Gill

Lunch Lady Jan said...

On its good to see you back Karen....blimey, you've had a torrid time. I didn't realise that you were on the point of having dialysis...as if you didn't have enough to cope with. The crochet hexagons finishes on the 7th Feb but there is a lot of info on crafting for various charities on www.ukhandknitting.co.uk. Crochet too.
I just make up my wrist warders....knit about 38 stitches in chunky, knit as long as I want them then sew up the side seams, leaving a hole for the thumb to go through. I can knit you a pair of you want but they might not be lacy. Let me know!
Hugs. LLJ 51 xx

Unknown said...

Karen--I do remember your blog, and I am so happy to see you here, and see your beautiful work. You are an inspiration and rising above it all to keep creating! I would think crochet or knitting is the perfect thing to do while on dialysis--it will help you feel peaceful and relaxed. I am praying for your restored health and your arm to feel better too. Big hugs! Happy WOYWW! Sandy Leigh #20

Jan s said...

Karen I'm sorry to hear you've not been able to craft, must say I love your card and the cute image.
Take care

Jan #89

Mrs A. said...

Lovely to see you crafting again Karen after all your problems. Hope you are finally on the way up.
These are not lacy but it does knit up nicely and has the cute flower on the side .
http://gigglinggoblin.wordpress.com/2008/12/03/chunky-wrist-warmers-free-knitting-pattern/
I made them for a friend last year.
Hugs Mrs A.

glitterandglue said...

My goodness, Karen. What a time you have had. I do trust you will manage to do the odd bit of crafting now - and that all will begin to settle down for you. Both my aunt and my uncle have had to go through dialysis - not easy for you. If you drop me an e-mail with your address I'll get a bag to you if you like margaret.diddanfa@gmail.com will find me. They are about 11 inches long and 9 inches wide. Long strap for going over the shoulder, and lined for a bit of added strength. The fabric all came from Abakhan - don't know if you know it - I use the store at Mostyn on the N Wales coast. The idea of them is to give all the children in Kyehimba school one with a Bible, notebook and pencils, as they reach the final year. www.pcmuk.org will tell you more. Thanks for visiting earlier, and for your encouraging comments.
Margaret #39

okienurse said...

sorry to hear you have been having so many medical issues but I am glad you are back now. WOYWW has missed you. Love the beautiful card. Looking forward to seeing you more! Have a great week. Vickie aka Okienurse #111

okienurse said...

forgot to add that you should go on Pinterest and look for the wrist warmers. Most are free patterns and I know there are some out there cause I have posted some myself. try my pinterest site..http://www.pinterest.com/vdoswell/crochet-and-knit-related/.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

Hi Karen, so good to see you back again. How could Bleubeard and I forget your awesome icon.

You have truly been through the mill and come out with a really positive outlook. I'm not sure I would feel as chipper after enduring what you went through.

Your card is adorable. It's nice to see you were able to make one, at least.

Thanks for visiting me already and happy slightly belated WOYWW from #1.

Neet said...

Oh dear, you sound as if you have been through it. Now facing another obstacle but sounding so chipper, you are a trooper. Good luck with it all and keep making those lovely cards, it will help.
Hugs & Thanks for visiting me earlier, sorry I am so late - Neet 50

ambreen said...

Hi karen...how are you doing...a while i havnt heard frm u...blog is asusual really great..
love

ambreen said...

Dear Karen,
I hope you are feeling well after your operation and dialysis...i hope to hear from you soon...just wanted to share my wishes and love with you

Anonymous said...

You poor darling.. What else can life throw at you? You have been too brave. I hope that you can crochet to your heart's content on dialysis to keep you smiling. I love your cute elephant card too. Please, take care and keep strong. love xx Dell.

Karen Dunbrook said...

adorable cards...hope things are better...