Calendar Poodle SAL

Thursday, June 13, 2013

In Need Of a Fun Finish. Got One?

Good Morning my friends!  I am so very glad you are here. I need an idea. I need YOUR help. Would you PLEASE share with me a finishing idea for Friends Are Like Angels? This is the most important part. It is why I need help. IT IS FOR A NON-STITCHING FRIEND. This is for my very long time friend Heather.
I actually plan on stitching this up twice. This time is how the pattern recommends stitching it, two over two on 28ct. I usually stitch smaller. Next time will probably be one over one on 28ct.This first piece may be made into a pinpillow or ..... ideas! ideas! The next one I stitch, the small one, is the one I was thinking of making up for Heather into a door knob hanger. Do non-stitchy people find these weird? Do you have a better idea for my gift for her?

I won this sweet, little LizzieKate pattern from Sally.  If you also would like to stitch it, keep watching this space. I will be having a giveaway for this pattern when I am done with it, just as Sally requested.

So, how am I doing you may wonder? Well, I can tell you right now that I could feel all of your positive thoughts and prayers Tuesday morning. The procedure went extremely smooth. I almost fell asleep during it. No pain! The doctor did not mention that the pain would be very increased for several days. He likes to hold back information on what to expect with pain. He is all about psychology. He doesn't want me to think it could be bad, because then I will expect bad things. Well after the procedure the nurse told me that my nerves will be "all crazy" for several days and to expect heightened pain. Also that my pain would be at it's usual level for 4 to 6 weeks before the pain dies down or disappears completely. My jaw almost hit the floor!! SAY WHAT NOW?!?

Um, yes, I would say for the first 24 hrs. the pain was severely increased. It has been decreasing ever since. I have been relying on narcotics and ice packs. I am hoping my "usual" pain subsides quicker than 4 weeks. I am also hoping this is all worth it. Thank you for your well wishes, thoughts and your prayers.
This is only a small portion of the sea of purple-blue columbine blooming.
The white peonies bloom first. I am still waiting for the pink to bloom. The pink roses smell just heavenly. Both of these were here at this home when we moved in. We relocated them in the yard however.

I finished reading Joni & Ken: An Untold Love Story. This is a book about Joni and Ken Earekson Tada. Are you familiar with Joni? She is a Christian quadriplegic. This book was a gift from Shirlee. I really, really liked this book. The book discusses her pain and suffering. I found it helpful and encouraging.

Please remember to leave me a comment with your ideas! Have a great day in the Lord my friends!

Stitching and praying,
Vickie

23 comments:

Peggy Lee said...

I'm afraid I don't have any finishing ideas for you...I am usually in need of them myself.
I hope your pain subsides and this procedure really works for you.
Your flowers are beautiful! I've been thinking about getting a Peony bush lately. They are so pretty.

Mii Stitch said...

Glad things went well & hope the pain disappear soon. Finishes are always an issue aren't they? Why not give a go at decorating the top of a box (is there a technic name for this? :P) and you could fill the box with goodies or things that remind you of your friendship. She could then put this lovely box on display in her home and even use it... Just a little idea! I'm sure more blogger friends will come up with some great creative ideas for you :) xx

Stitchy Mc Floss said...

I will keep you in my prayers that the pain will ease each day and then will finally go away forever. :)

Blessings always dear friend.

Varla Lee said...

Ok, i saw the stash and i have 3 ideas: If she is a non stitching friend, you have to think in a useful thing like a bag, a booknotes, a cover for a Bible or prayers book, a box to put in pencils or needles to knit or crochet. If anyway she is non stitching but appreciates whatever you gifts to her, i think in a a pinkeep model, a pillow or put in a small frame, would be ok.
If she is a normal mother or wife, she will have to darning socks (just an example) then a small little book to keep the needles mignt be okay. I hope to be satisfactory with this normal ideas.
Your flowers are awesome! Kisses and gook luck!

Vicki said...

Praying fervently for diminished pain or better yet, no more pain! Loved the cartoon! It looks like our house...

Anonymous said...

I think Miistitch's idea of a little box is a great idea!
Hope your pain settles soon.

Catherine said...

Sending good thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery and positive results!! What types of things does your friend like? Does she like bags, decorative pillows? I am sure you will come up with something great!

cucki said...

Sweet stitches..
You are always in my prayers dear friend..
Lol..funny cartoon..
Big hugs x

Beth said...

Hope the procedure works for you. What pretty columbine and peonies Vickie.

Barbara said...

I am so glad everything went well and I'm praying that the pain disappears quickly. I must tell you that I am so jealous! I love peonies but they can't grow here in Florida and I miss having them in my yard.
As for the stitchie thing for your friend...how about a stand up. She can put it anywhere or maybe one of those acrylic trivets. Whatever you choose I'm sure she'll love it.
Hugs!

Annette-California said...

Prayers that all your goes away FAST:) I know this procedure will work for you. Sounds like it already has. For your friend: a box (love that idea), Darling pillow or how about a flat fold finish. She could stand it up anywhere. Vonna has a great tutorial HERE - http://tts-learntofinish.blogspot.com/2011/01/flatfold.html
don't know how to link in comment section. love Annette

Annette-California said...

I forgot to ask you how do you like your frame? I see it in the photo and is it a Z lap frame? love Annette

Giovanna said...

Another idea for your friend could be a bag, to hold candy or trinkets or whatever.

I hope your pain situation continues to improve. All the best.

Simply Victoria said...

No specific ideas but I would suggest to think about how she decorates and what types of things she has about her house. Maybe that would give you a direction as to which of the great ideas already mentioned would bless your friend. Continuing to pray for you!!

Margaret said...

I hope your pain goes away quickly and the treatment gives you relief. That's a long time for the pain to be around! As for your finishing -- oh gosh, I'm so not an expert on finishing! lol! I'm sure others have better ideas than I could come up with. Good luck!

Shirley said...

Hi Vickie, I will start by saying a belated Happy Happy Birthday. I have been keeping you in my prayers that the procedure will do what you are hoping and I am happy to see that Mabel is walking. It may be slow, but she is still with you. The ideas have been pretty much covered. I kinda lean toward a standup picture that can be moved all over her house. Your flowers are so pretty. I wish I had the time for some, but I don't. Take care Many Hugs and prayers from your Missouri Friend.

Carol said...

I'm so glad the procedure went well, Vickie, and I'm sure the pain will just keep decreasing each day...

I think the idea of a little door or cupboard hanger is perfect! (I'm not a big flat-fold or cube lover myself.) You could always just pin the hanging ribbon or cording on to the back with a pretty stick pin (one of your homemade ones!) so she could remove it if she just wanted to use it as a tiny pillow sitting on a shelf. I'm sure she'll love it--maybe even more because she doesn't stitch. I've found that many non-stitchers are in awe of our creations :)

Maggee said...

You are two days closer to relief from the pain--keeping you in my prayers! You have lots of good ideas for finishing that piece. I am going to look up that book. I read something of hers in the past, tho I cannot remember what right now! Hugs!

moreofhim said...

Praying you have relief from the pain soon and that the procedure bring you total relief.
When I saw your project, I also thought on a box or possibly a basket topper. Of course, your friend will love anything you do! Your flowers are beautiful! I've got Jomi's book on order and can't wait to read it. Her book on pain got me through the worst of my days and I admire her faith so much. It's good to know you liked this one, too. Keeping you in my prayers - Julie

Penny said...

I'm glad your procedure went well and praying that the outcome is good. Personally, I love things that I can hang from a doorknob or a knob on a shelf or even in a window. :)

Chris said...

Happy Belated Birthday Vickie!
I am so sorry that I missed it.
I hope that your pain continues daily and wished for the desired results for you. So glad that the procedure went smoothly. Thanks you for sharing all the beautiful garden pics.
Have a great weekend!

Kathy Ellen said...

In pondering about a creative idea for your finishing, I think that it might look nice, finished as a little hanging pillow, maybe with a band of some coordinated fabric and twisted cording using the combination of the red, white and blue colors too. I love finishing things that way sometimes.

Hope that your pain soon dissipates and that you will soon be feeling much better.

Blessings & Hugs!

The Knitting Cross Stitcher said...

No finishing ideas I'm afraid Vickie,but I love the design.
I hope your pain is decreasing day by day.
Your flower pictures are gorgeous, I love allflower pictures:)
Hope you have a comfortable weekend and I hope Mabel is also doing well.