Saturday, July 24, 2010

A 'Nice' Reminder

Two years ago today I made an unfortunate error with my footing, fell, and broke my right [good] arm, very close to the shoulder.  It was the first time in my life I had ever broken a bone.  My friends know all about it, so I hope I won't bore them to death AGAIN.  It was impossible to set it in a cast, so I was sent home from the hospital with the arm in a sling, plus a packet of painkillers.  I often wonder what might have happened had I needed a pin inserted.  I had visions of me with a bottle of whisky and bone to bite on prior to surgery, a la John Wayne!!!  Ah well, it was a time to sit and plan I suppose.  The reason I'm offering this information is simply to share something I did during that time.  I was unable to stitch for a long time, as I had obviously done much more damage to my shoulder and shoulder blades than anyone had thought.

This was my first piece of very fine lace knitting [#40 crochet thread].  I could knit and crochet, as both use forearm movements, which I could manage, about at the three week mark.  I knitted, and knitted and knitted some more.   By the time I had enough knitted to make a good sized edge, I could also embroider, etc.  I had the linen, thankfully the exact colour as the crochet cotton.........it pays to be boring sometimes.  I also had some candlewicking thread.  

I did the hemstitched holes myself using my Bernina machine and a wing needle, then worked a row of double crochet into the holes so that I had a good foundation on which to stitch the lace.  This is one of my favourite pieces, and knitted lace one technique I just never do enough of.

Although this was a trying time, I'll always have this lovely mat to remind that there is always something positive to take out of every situation.

11 comments:

Frances Leate said...

What a lovely project and your story is a good reminder not to take things for granted. It is also good to have many skills and talents and you obviously have many. Well done!

DIAN said...

Linda, lovely to see that beautiful piece again. I think it is when we are challenged in some way that we really learn a lot about ourselves.

D'S THREADS DOWN SOUTH said...

Linda what a beautiful piece of work, reminds me of the work my grandma used to do. You can do this kind of work "handicapped", while some, mainly me, could'nt do it at 100%. Very pretty.
Doreen

Radka said...

And you did this with a broken arm? Wow! It looks so beautifuly old fashion, as D'S said, from grandma times, love it.
It is one of those things that scare me, should anything happen to my hands.

Jensters said...

Im so glad you was able to create something special Linda...it must have been so hard for you xx

Robin Mac said...

What a beautiful piece, and how on earth did you do it with your arm in a sling!! I would have thought you would still have some muscle movement in your upper arm, causing pain - ouch. I can't enlarge your photos by clicking on them any more - have you changed the way you upload them? Cheers, Robin

Radka said...

Oh, and I forgot to say that I like the china too!
I agree with Robin, I can't enlarge your pictures.

Linda said...

Thank you ladies. The knitting was very small and light, so I didn't really need upper arm muscles much. I didn't have a cast, just a sling, or cuff/sling appartus, which I was told I didn't need all of the time.

I am so sorry the photos aren't enlarging. I have no suggestions I'm sorry. I am not doing anything different to prepare or upload them.

Anonymous said...

Can I offer a suggestion on how to view Linda's pictures in a larger window? I am able to do that by right clicking on the photo and then selecting "Open link in new window". Maybe this will help someone.

P.S. Linda, your knitting is absolutely beautiful. I love the china as well :)

Roseann said...

Aahhh. Someone who remembers John Wayne. Too funny Linda. I remember your broken arm and the troubles you had with it. Your stiiching though is wonderful. Loved the pic with the dog too. I love the embroidery on your quilt also. I guess I just love your work. Have a great day.

shirley said...

I remember John Wayne as well. You poor dear that sounded very painful...love the doiley and the knitted edging.
Also like the pic of the billabong...Is that the jolly swagman billabong?