talking of being creative. I have found a new hobby, quilting. It's such a great distraction. Anyone interested in any crafts go to 'fabric.com' just google it. They have thousands of different fabrics, sewing machines and everything you need to start your new hobby.
Jan
Hi Jan
I have been a quilter for many years. It is a wonderful hobby. I have also taught patchwork and quilting in the past so if you do need any help, hints or tips please ask.
Enjoy!
With kind regards.
Jane
Jane,
Thankyou so much. I have been watching different quilting styles on youtube, and now I want to make them all. I have a large family so who knows, maybe everyone will get a different style. I'm still learning all the jargon, like the squares are called blocks etc. I made my first one for my new grandson born on the 12th of October and it turned out rather well. Everyone loved it, so now I have heaps of orders from my family. You know Jane it has really lifted my spirits and since doing it I have beaten the demon black dog. (Depression) Along with my novel that I have just finished proof reading I feel as though I can still do the things I love, can't do the housework but (Ha,Ha) It is always clean. I think my son has O.C.D. that's great, and I just eat fruit and chicken (Cooked from the deli) with frozen vegies. I put just enough vegies in a freezer bag for a meal and whack it in the microwave, no dirty dishes, just my plate. I use paper towels to put my cut up fruit on. Don't we all improvise when we have to.
Well I hope you have a good hour today. Jan (Shadycurt)
p.s. when I say hour I don't mean it in a bad way, but you know what I mean, maybe even two hours. I love those times.
Hi Jan
I am so pleased that you are enjoying your new hobby - it is very addictive! It is good to hear that the black dog has been banished - this particular hobby also has helped me through some very sticky patches in my life too. It would be nice for you if you could join a Quilting group - there is bound to be one near you - it will benefit you enormously.
You sound amazing - I have always admired those who can write - I just don't have that sort of imagination although I do love to read.
I really do love your comments about meal times and how you improvise - I certain to follow this as I love to save on any unnecessary work when I can - the idea is brilliant!
Again, please do ask if you have any problems - I would be happy to help you.
My day has been pretty good really thank you - although the overwhelming fatigue took over mid afternoon and I fell asleep.
With very best wishes - keep well.
Jane
Hey Jane,
The black dog died. Ha, Ha. I really don't mean it like that, but between writing and quilting and sleeping my day is pretty well chewed up. I try and fight that impossible tiredness but it gets me like you every day. Maybe yoga could be helpful in more ways than we know. I may try it, giving the limitations I have with pulling mucsles so easily as you would know. I'll see my doc first before I do anything, but swimming sounds good. Here down under we have summer nine months of the year, some days it can get to over 40 degrees. I have actually seen a man wearing thongs, tried to cross the road and the (what's ya call it. road made of) Ya! Bitumen. It had melted it was so hot and he lost his thong, totally covered in bitumen. Lucky for air-con or you couldn't breath the air is so still and humid.
Talk to you soon
All the best Jan
Hi Jan
I just keep getting visions of a man losing his thong! It must have been quite some sight!!!
I do yoga once a week and it does take at least 3 days to get over the stretches. My yoga teacher expects us to do some poses daily which is my intention were it not for the soreness and pain. She does know that I suffer from FM but it's impossible to get her and anyone else for that matter to understand what it is like for us living with it.
I know that it is helping a bit though just doing it once a week especially as it does make me more aware of my posture.
As with everything though best to ask your doctor.
Keep well.
Jane
I want to learn patchwork and quilting I am hoping to join a class with the U3A in january, I enjoy needle work but I am one of those people that need to see something done to let it sink in, so looking forward to the class. I think sewing is like a meditation, you completely get absorbed by it and forget the pain for a while, enjoy!
Wow must be something in the air,I have just taken up quilting also as I have found that I cannot knit for long periods of time,nor do tapestry,so when I am finding those crafts painful I sit and cut my fabric which is so easy with the roller cutter,I can then concentrate on that and hope for a period of pain freedom. I live in hope.lol
Hi I have been quilting for years ,had a standing ovations from quilting guild last here but can't hold needle or concentrate to well at moment , will try and post pic of quilt for you to see ,it's a wonderful hobby ,if you get the chance go to the NEC to the quilting exhibition go it's so inspiring 
Good for you! My passion was cross stitch which I took up when I was ill. Can't do that now because of my hands, but can manage tapestry or chunky cross stitch. I have just had a tapestry of Lynmouth framed and put up and am so pleased with it. Enjoy your quilting!
hi Panda60.i am the same cant do cross stitch anywhere near as much as I used to.in fact I gave it up totally 2 years ago cos of hands and inability to follow charts(and see them).had to enlarge them to see.i did start again this year btu I am limited in how much I can do-its literally a few stitches at a time-frustrating cos im always dropping the needle.seeing consultant today so hopefully sort at least one of hand probs out and give me a diagnosis for swelling/thickened skin etc.
Wrote a long reply and lost it, dxxx. I was saying this is my latest ongoing quilt, 2 years so far! But know the pic has come out as a seperate post (?) I teach dressmaking, quilting and soft furnishings on a monday evening, it is my work life, social life and main satisfaction all rolled into one, it is the one thing I always aim to fulfill each week, even if it means dragging myself out of bed to get there, and falling straight back into it afterwards. Regards
hi Shazzzy same here .I wrote a post and lost it.happens too frequently.
so glad im not alone.thought it was just me!
Was looking to start myself after Xmas as family going to get me a sewing machine ,if done painting by numbers to but hands gets sore and stiff so given up on that ,well done you keep it up .
you'll get addicted to it tinkerbell 66. It is so much fun and not hard on the fingers or hands, just pace yourself like you do with everything. So good to get such great feedback from everyone. Thanks guys.
Jan (Shadycurt)
Thank you for sharing this with us all shadycurt3160. This was something my wife use to do many years ago before her MS. She was quite good at it. She also use to do cross stitch.
All my hopes and dreams for you
Ken x
watercolour painting
Hello its me im back for good
Trying to feel positive 
Keeping going when life keeps knocking you down.
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