I’ve had a lot of headaches lately, so I didn’t feel up to a post last week, and I haven’t felt much like crafting either. I’ve been dealing with chronic neck pain from a herniated disc for many years now, and although it is much better now than when it was first injured, every once in a while the pain flares up and my neck, arms and head ache. I’m really hoping this episode passes soon, because I’m also busy at work and concentrating is difficult when you’re in pain. Now on with the update!
I made a trip to my local quilt shop a week and a half ago, and picked up the material to finish my Pins and Stripes quilt, but other than buying the material, I haven’t done anything else with it. Maybe this weekend I’ll get back to it, and can take some photos.
While I was there I bought fabric for a wall hanging project which I’m not going to talk about too much here since it’s not really in progress yet.
The crochet and knitting projects that I’ve been working on are all pretty much on hold for the time being, until my arms stop aching so much. I did start a smaller project last week and it is in progress. I bought the pattern for Dumbo the Deep Sea Octopus by Emma at Emma Crafts Design at her Ravelry store, here. 
I’m hoping that he will be the right size for me to use him for a luggage identifier when I go on a cruise in February. Here is how he’s looking right now. As you can see his ears are not yet attached, and I’m working on his bottom, but he’s pretty cute…and very bright! I am debating giving him a mouth of some kind, I know that’s not technically correct, but I think it will look cute.
Because I was looking for something to do that was a little easier on my than crochet, I decided to dig out a piece of cross-stitch that I started about 22 years ago, and which has been sitting, waiting for my return, for nearly that long.
The pattern is From This Day Forward by Paula Vaughn and I found a digital copy here which is great, because somehow my hard copy got separated from my work. I love Paula’s designs, and I have quite a few, although this is the only one I have actually attempted. Here’s a screenshot of the cover from my iPad.
It took me some digging, but I finally located the project, and embroidery thread and was able to work on it a bit on Sunday night. If I get it completed, I may consider giving some others a try. I used to do a lot of cross-stitch but I got away from it many years ago. My mom always wanted me to finish this particular piece, and it seems like now is the time.
As you can see, I actually have quite a bit done, I am excited to be working on it again! I’m happy to say that cross-stitch does not seem to aggravate my neck and arm pain quite as much as crocheting does, so at least I’ll be able to work on it while I can’t work on crochet or sewing projects.
That pretty much does it for me for this week! I would love to hear about the projects you’ve been working on!
Life, Tea, and Everything 
Oh Kate, do finish that piece it is a beauty! I too love Paula Vaughan but never did purchase any of her designs…I should rethink that! Hope you feel better soon! My mom had herniated disk disease, they take time and rest until they neutralize themselves (not sure they actually heal, but something eventually stops the pain!)
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I have degenerative disc disease and have been dealing elwith this for almost 13 years now. I was completely unable to work for about 6 years, even a desk job was too much. Happily I’m passed that stage and hoping never to return to it. I love Paula’s designs, but they are a lot of work. I would love to do more but I’m not sure I’m up to the challenge!
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Oh bless your heart! Hang in there, I’m glad the stitching is doable, and I’m sure your weight loss is somewhat helpful too. My mom often talked about knowing to stop when she was ahead, that improved her quality of life a lot, but it took time to learn, physically but mentally more so. Your wonderful, positive outlook is serving you well!
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I agree with her, the hardest part is learning to recognize your limitations, and learning to listen to your body when it has had enough. And yes I’m sure the weight loss will help. Most of it piled on during those six years when I was on painkillers and could barely function, I’m so glad to be passed that!
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👍🏻
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Sorry to hear about your pain. Hope you’re feeling better soon, and glad you found something creative in the meantime 🙂.
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Thank you!
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Hope you feel better soon.
That piece looks beautiful, exactly like the picture. I’m not familiar with cross stitching. I bought a kit a long time ago but never got anywhere with it.
I have a number of knitting project I’m struggling to finish with a full time job.
Take care
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Thanks. I understand. I’m trying to balance a full time job with relaxing craft time too and it’s not always easy!
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Oh my gosh I could stare at that all day… beautiful and I can’t wait to see it finished!
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Thank you!
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Hope you’re feeling better soon Kate!! Emma’s octo is adorable and I love the bright colors your using for yours!! That cross stitch project is absolutely beautiful!! 😀
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Thanks, Tami!
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This is beautiful! 🙂
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It’s a beautiful cross stitch
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Thank you!
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so beautiful!
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Aww 😊 I’m just getting around reading all the blogs I’ve missed and I have to say I absolutely love the colours you’ve chosen for dumbo! ❤️ and he will be very cute with a mouth too!
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Hanks! I’m hoping to finish him this week.
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Well penned😊😊😊
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