Haven't had it for quite some time. I came close. Handled the linen. Played with thread. Rearranged my needles. Organized charts. Aaaaaaalmost there. Then I couldn't see clearly. Light sources would make me squint or close completely. And then ….. medication set my eyeballs on fire. But after it stopped, they stayed open most of the day. Similasan and Refresh Repair drops were the ones out of fifteen that soothed. As long as the lamp is over the work and not over my shoulder, I don't squint as much.
And then there was a visit with Valerie and Kay in the barn. https://youtu.be/Iq_fsQ6wUSc or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iq_fsQ6wUSc
I am still amazed at the large projects she has stitched over one thread. They are remarkable. And almost all on lighter linen which I never used. Her colonial decorating makes them all the more appealing. And my itch became more intense. She mentioned her Dazor lamp, the circline model that I have. I did not know you can add another lens for additional magnification, and the arm is positioned above your work which I can handle. I have the huge heavy base but the arm can be removed and attached to a table. Time to get it out of the closet.
And then, yesterday, I received a package from a friend I've never met in person. As I opened the box and saw the size of the item, it appeared to be a Cadbury or Moser Ross chocolate. I unrolled the tissue, my jaw dropped. I can't tell you how much gel I needed to rehydrate my mouth because it just would not shut. I have never received a gift that was so much a part of the person that bestowed it. The expertise, the time, the materials, the finishing, I just can't explain how it has touched me. And of course I can't cry, I have no tears! But I have my drops that will soothe the pain so I allowed myself the emotion, while hosing the eyeballs down with the dropper. After the shock wore off, I washed my hands and carefully held it, felt it, and studied it. I did that again this morning and will do it several more times today. The stitches, the history, the maker, the gesture ….. the itch was in need of hydrocortisone.
So today, I am yanking linen. I don't know what it will be. I don't care if I want to keep it for display. I don't care if it's large or small. I just need to do it. In between squirting my drops and gels while dodging the light.
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19 comments:
Glad you can stitch again. I love my Dazor and Valerie’s You Tube too. So do we get to see your gift?
Well, it sounds like things are looking up a bit for your eyes, Marly! I'm glad the 15th try at eye drops seems to be helping a bit. And the fact that you are feeling the stitching itch is definitely a step in the right direction.
Your gift sounds amazing--would love to see it :)
Such good news that you are moving in the right direction.
Better yet, your mojo is back. That Flosstube excursion
through the Samplers II was fascinating.. What a legacy
that lovely lady has created....
Marly, So good to hear you sounding more like yourself- we've missed you! In regards to stitching,,, do what you can, when you can. Good news is that its all for your own enjoyment, and its not a competition :-) Would love to see the wonderful gift you received!!
Glad the itch is back....keep fondling that linen because we love it as much as you do when you stitch. But what a tease you are....you describe this incredible gift and then don’t show us! Shame on you! ;-). I toyed with the idea of investing in a Dazor....but chickened out... My area where I stitch is so tiny and my little, cheap, “Mighty Brite” magnifier light already drives my husband crazy....Not sure he could tolerate a full blown version... And they don’t sell them around here so I would have to order online.... The prices I pay to live in this forsaken place, I tell ya..... Happy Tuesday Marly Girl.... ~Robin~
Oh! Can't wait to see what you make!! I, too, would love to see what someone sent you....
I am glad to hear you feel like stitching once again. I would love to see your beautiful gift.
Scratch that itch!
Something actually is helping your eyes? Fantastic!! Pull some threads to go with that linen and enjoy.
Marley I am praying for you specifically this morning that your eyes might find the exact thing that will help. I am touched that a friend would send you such a gift, one that has that obviously lifted your spirits and helped you to look forward again. Your stitching always gives me hope that I will be able to stitch as beautifully someday, just as your patterns gifted to us have enriched my home...I’ve stitched several. I don’t comment a lot but I read every post and look forward to each one. Blessings, Marlene
Valerie and Kay had the same effect on me! Consequently, I've resumed stitching on a sampler started many years ago. When that is finished, I hope to finally begin one of my larger sampler charts that I've been saving for "someday".
I'm not a sampler lover but do enjoy the Stitching in the Barn videos. I loved the first one with all the Redware they have made. I have a BrightTech floor lamp/magnifier I just love-it looks very similar to yours but the magnifier has a cover over it. Please remember to keep that magnifier covered with something because one Flosstuber talked about how they left theirs out to come back later and find the arm of her chair smoldering!!! Something one doesn't think about but none of us need a disaster like that. Praying you'll enjoy some stitching and receive comfort from the drops.
I think flosstube would help anyone get an itch!! I really hope you feel well enough to enjoy a bit of stitching! You turned me on to stitching in the barn. I loved the episode where the stitcher's husband showed his wonderful work!
I'm guessing your new Blog header photo is your new gift and I'm also guessing it's from Ann Madges - it's amazing, you lucky girl.
Sandra xx
Marly: I am trying to catch up on blogs, I am so happy to see you back posting again, we miss you when you are not here.
I am so sorry you are having problems, it must be awful.
I have a Dazor that is from 1997, it is still my favorite lamp/magnifier, it has the right color bulb not the kind now that have the led bulbs which hurt my eyes, I am not sure led is a good thing ( I sound like Martha Stewart with the good thing) giggles.
I hope you are able to get some stitching done.
When Mike had a change of medications he had blurry and dry eyes, he was changed back to the meds he was taking before.
I hope you have a lovely Easter Season.
Catherine
You are such a fighter! Your gumption is so inspiring!
YOU GO GIRL!
I want to thank that gift giver, because she gave you some umphf back. Way to go, both of you. … jan
I love going to that wonderful house on Floss Tube! That woman must stitch in her sleep! Get stitching...it's good for what ails you more than you know! It doesn't have to be perfect if your eyes aren't cooperating. I've made so many mistakes on His Eye is on the Sparrow I've lost count. Go for it!
Robyn
Happy Stitching! I need to check out the Dazor lamp fixture, if you do, please post!
Tammy
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