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An unexpected blogging break...

It feels like such a long time since I lasted posted - I think it's only been a week but it feels much longer.  I wish I'd been off having a marvellous time while I wasn't posting but unfortunately it's been full of worry.  On Friday my dad commented that Archie wasn't his usual self on his evening walk and hadn't been the night before either - I'd noticed he'd been spending a lot of time in his bed but that isn't necessarily unusual.  By Saturday morning it became clear he really wasn't right and I was lucky enough to get a vet appointment the next morning.  I got myself in a right state as Archie was so unlike his usual cheery self - taking him out for a walk on Sunday morning was awful as he lagged behind the whole way with his tail down and only perked up when I put his lead on to come home.  It was then I noticed that occasionally one of his back paws dragged on the ground and I became convinced that this was a sign his 'back end was going' and that they would put him down (have to whisper so he doesn't hear and also just typing it still upsets me).  As a special treat I let him on the settee with me but you can see he wasn't himself...

This photo makes me so sad...
In fact I got in such a state that my mum had to miss church to come with me to see the vet who was lovely with him (and me!).  He thinks it's either a bit of arthritis or that Archie has tweaked a muscle jumping and he's got to have complete rest for two and a half weeks.  He's currently on antibiotics (in case he has a spinal infection) and anti-inflammatory medicine and can't run, jump, use the stairs, jump in or out of the car or go for long walks.  He's currently allowed three very short walks a day and is being treated like a king - he's soon got used to being lifted in and out of the house and he's carried upstairs on an evening and then back down the next morning.  I've also had to disconnect my doorbell (which is on the same circuit as the downstairs lights so it's distinctly dingy of an evening!) as every time it rings he runs through the house and jumps up at the front window to 'greet' the visitor.  He's much brighter now - we went back to see the vet this morning who agreed that there's a definite improvement but that he still needs lots of rest and painkillers and we have to go back in two weeks...please keep your fingers crossed he continues to improve...

If she thinks I'm going to keep still while she takes yet more bloody photos she's got another think coming...
In classic Helen style I distracted myself from my worry and between worrying, crying and keeping busy I've exhausted myself and really need a week or so where very little happens as it's been quite an awful summer...I'm sure autumn will be better...

My stripy turquoise fabric has arrived from The Eternal Maker (yummy!) and I'm waiting for the medium grey to come back into stock at Simply Solids.  I've put the Drunkard's Path blocks back into second place as my hexy addiction is back with a vengeance!  Be warned: there are lots of photos on the way - I told you I'd distracted myself!  In the interests of honesty I should tell you that I stitched five of these about two weeks ago but I was in the grip of DP madness at the time so didn't share them!


Patterns found here - thanks Melissa! and here - thanks Joanne!

Pattern found here - thanks Lynne!
 
The top left hexy is based on this hexy - thanks Sheila!, the hexy on the right makes me very happy and the pattern for the bottom hexy was found here - thanks Liz!


Pale pink stripes are so hard to photograph - you may have to put your nose to the screen to see this one!
I loved this hexagon by Joanne at Possum Blossom Patch when I saw it in the Lily's Quilts Flickr group but I really thought it was going to end in tears. This is the only hexy I've contemplated trying with EPP instead but fortunately cup of tea and a break resolved our differences and hand piecing triumphed!  I love it but will I be making another one?  Not on your nelly!!

There's also been a little bit of embroidery going on (I'd run out of prepped hexies and didn't have enough light to prep any more!) - I've been working on this (on and off, very much off recently!) for a couple of months and it will eventually be a garland for my mum.


And just to prove it hasn't all been successful stitching...

I knew there was something wrong but it took me a while to realise I was making a pouch instead of a hexy!
I think that's enough for now...I also think I've proved that I'm completely incapable of writing a short post so I may as well stop feeling bad about it!

There are more hexies being prepped...

All laid out neatly waiting their turn with the iron!  Is it wrong to like your new ironing board cover so much that you're considering buying a second one for when this one needs replacing?!  And no, Mr 'I'm from the LEA' man, they're not dinner money envelopes you can see, honest!
 ...ready to join the group...

36 pieced and 5 whole...about 20% done!

...so I think I'd better go and pay them (and Archie!) some attention - it's time for a very short walk in the lashing rain!

Thanks for visiting and happy stitching!

Edited to add:  I knew there was something I'd forgotten!  Karen is requesting blocks so that she can make some bed clothes for child victims of sex trafficking in Thailand - she's going over there in November so you've got a while to make some and get them to her...please help if you can - thank you!

Comments

  1. I know just how you feel about poor Archie. I went through the same thing this winter with my little "assistant" Jada. Here is a link to her picture if you want to see how pathetic she was.

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/baileygirl5/5297987432/

    Good news is the vet thought she had a pulled muscle or a bit of arthritis as it was the middle of a super cold spell. She was on anti-inflammatory meds and lots of snuggling under quilts for a few months and now she's all better.

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  2. I'm rooting for Archie! Love your hexies! Flippin' awesome they are! Clever girl! Jxo

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  3. Oh Helen, these hexagons are really becoming very seductive. I will NOT take on another project though! I am just starting to love these colors so much. I even became in search of pastels recently...and seeing this just made me realize the subconscious reason why? Hahahaha! My love to Archie! If he were here I'd slip him a treat, so he'll just have to accept a virtual one instead. xoxo

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  4. So sorry to hear that Archie is under the weather! I hope that he rests up like a good boy and soon feels much better! Hugs to you x

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  5. Aww sorry to hear about poor ole Archie. Hope he's fit as the proverbial butchers dog soonest x

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  6. Your hexies are absolutely gorgeous! Really need to get back to mine :-) Poor Archie, and poor you! Fingers crossed for both of you that he's on the mend now. Such a sad wee face on this weeks photos, give the wee soul a cuddle from me too!

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  7. Come on Archie Get Well Soon. Glad there was some improvement give him a big hug from us. xx

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  8. Your hexies are so beautiful, Helen, and your christmas stitching is looking good too :)
    I hope Archie continues to improve. Don't forget to take care of yourself - worrying can set you back and carrying Archie around won't do you much good either!

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  9. hugs and pets to Archie (With a cheeky treat too) Good luck getting a dog to rest up though, I've had to do it before and the healthier they get the harder it is to do lol

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  10. So sorry that Archie isnt feeling himself. Give him a nice scratch from me.

    Still loving your hexies. Keep it up.

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  11. Glad Archie has started to feel better and hope he's 100% very soon :)

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  12. With all that pampering I'm sure Archie will be just like new soon ;-) Feel better Archie!

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  13. Consider fingers crossed for Archie - he'll come good I am sure.
    Your hexies are a triumph, mine are a bit neglected but I have a wee window tomorrow....

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  14. I really hope Archie feels better soon! I love the hexies, I might try out a few for maybe a cushion (not a big project just yet). (I've been looking at whippet cross puppies on Preloved EEEK!)

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  15. Well every comment mentions Archie - He has won a place in all our hearts! I am sure he will be up and healthy again soon! i am sending him more hugs and scratches and Saffy will be getting jealous!

    Great hexies - and what variety - I need to catch up on the project too!

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  16. I'm so sorry to hear about Archie's health issues-- but i'm glad he's responding positively to treatment and is on the mend. It is wonderful when you have a vet that you like and can trust. As for your quilting activity-- it is all amazing!! Sending well wishes to you and Archie!

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  17. Hope Archie will be better soon, terrible when they ill, isn't it. I bet he is lapping up the extra attention .. you'll have to train him to jump in and out of the car again :-)
    Lovely hexes!

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  18. Oh poor Archie! Sorry I am so late commenting. My blog reading is falling seriously behind! Hope he is feeling fighting fit soon and doesn't still expect to be carried up and down the stairs when he is all better!!

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  19. my mum had exactly the same thing with her dog, Cato. He was confined to a cage for about 3 weeks to stop him from moving around, poor thing (he is a border collie) He had a long road to recovery with lots of steroids and vets visits, but he is well and truly better now
    Loving your hexies

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  20. Hope Archie's feeling better soon. A little rest and relaxation - sounds like a great prescription for my aches and pains, too.

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  21. Oh no, poor Archie. Hope he's back to his best very soon. x

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  22. LOL at Ironing board cover coveting! I have "two of" several things... Kept Hidden from The Man.
    Darling hexies by the way.
    Archie still High Maintenance?? Poor puppy.

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  23. sorry to hear about Archie, I hope his recovery continues well. your hexagons are looking great! and you're not the only one to create "pouches" I think they're inevitable.

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  24. Ack, I'm so sorry that Archie wasn't doing well. I hope that he's back to his regular self soon! The hexagons look amazing, and I love the variations!

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  25. Poor Archie :( Hopefully he'll be back to normal soon. Your hexies are looking amazing :)

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  26. oh, poor puppers. i hope he feels better after more rest and spoiling. scratch him behind the ear for me. i can't reach from here :)

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  27. Poor poor Archie!! Lots of cups of tea and toast with marmalade for him I think :)

    Your hexes are absolutely beautiful, especially all together like that. You should be really proud of your gorgeous work!

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  28. Was just over on another blog and saw Archie's face in the followers - how cool is it that we recognise him!!

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  29. Hello you, just playing catch up on the blogs and had to write and wish Archie well...I hope his recovery has continued and your worried has subsided further since you wrote this post...you know that Archie may well get used to the royal treatment and demand that you carry him around in the future :)

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  30. Awww poor wee Archie and poor you! It's awful when they're poorly isn't it? Hope he's feeling a bit better and enjoying taking it easy. I think some sausages might be the best medicine, and a big slice of cake for you x
    Gorgeous hexies!

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  31. Thanks for your lovely comment on my dress.

    I love the hexagons you've made; your fabric choices are always lovely.

    Hugs to Archie - hope he's feeling better soon.

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  32. Hello! I hope Archie is every day feeling better! I don't know his age, but I hope that it's not arthritis (did I write that right). Our Nero has that now from last winter. He is happy and likes to run, play and jump but his walking and movements are not normal comfortable. Nero is now 7 years old and I feel so sorry for him.
    Your hexies are really beautiful!
    Wishes from Greece! Teje & Nero

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  33. I am soooooo glad Archie is feeling better. Poor thing. Poor you!

    Your blocks are looking fabulous!!

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  34. I hope Archie recovers soon, poor lad. He couldn't be getting better care, so I'm sure it won't be long till his right as rain again.
    Your hexies are works of art, each one! They're beautiful!
    Vanessa xxx

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  35. Hi, Helen. I hope Archie is on the mend. And your hexies are beautiful. Many thoughts coming across to your side of the world. :)

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