Saturday, October 18, 2014

Not Discouraged

Well that didn't take long! In less than three hours, I used up all of my "yarn ball" of fabric scraps to crochet this oval rug. Amanda's tutorial makes a rectangle-shaped rug, but after chatting with a couple knowledgeable crocheters in my Happy Stitchers group, I opted to make mine oval.
20" X 30"
Lucky for me, I found a size P crochet hook in the Happy Stitchers' stash of donated needlework items, so I got it for free. To make an oval rug, chain 20 stitches. Then single-crocheted into one side of each chain. At the end, stitch three single crochets in one chain. Keep going with single crochets to reach the opposite end. Stitch three single crochets again. Continue to single crochet into each stitch, randomly adding a chain stitch to allow for the convex curve at each end. Really, it was that easy!

I can't say that the rug is perfectly oval, but I don't care. I love the colors! After a wash, I think it will ease into shape. The rug will likely be put to use in the laundry room, or in front of the guest room sink.

Oranges in the neighbor's back yard tree.
Health Update
For those of you who have been so kind as to ask after me since my balloon and re-stent procedure (for severe peripheral artery disease) on Friday... I feel perfectly fine! The procedure went very well, and I have had zero pain or discomfort. Gosh, I'm not even showing signs of bruising as I have after previous procedures.

What was unexpected was the extent of the blockage in my left femoral artery. The ultrasound showed a 1 cm blockage when in fact it was 80% blocked at the top of the 8" stent, and 90% blocked in the middle and bottom of the stent. No wonder my calf ached, for lack of oxygen, whenever I line danced! It seems the mesh stent has been gathering floating plaque. This time the doc put a 6" solid stent inside the mesh stent. It's gotta work, right?

While "in the area" the doc also peeped down my right femoral artery, the one with a 6" mesh stent. Not surprisingly, it's beginning to collect plaque too. (I've begun to notice it.) So, when I return to the doc this week, for my follow-up appointment, we're going to discuss when I'll be having my right leg ballooned and re-stented. You can be sure I'm not happy about any of this, but if we happen upon a permanent fix, I'll be tickled.

This is all causing me to think of my word for 2014.

In the big scheme of life, this is a temporary and fixable problem. While it's certainly not pleasant, and is always inconvenient - Really? No sewing machine for two days?! - I am reminded that others face much greater pain and challenges. From my perspective, my problems are very small.

God's Word always comforts.
Deuteronomy 31:8 - The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. (NIV)
Linda

22 comments:

  1. Your rag rug is lovely Linda. I made myself a knitted one and it is just the right size to sit in front of my laundry tub. Like you, I love the peeps of colours coming through.

    So pleased you are up and about again after your procedure.

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  2. The best part of the procedure was that they found the blockages before it was 100%, I guess! And at least there are options! Fingers crossed the solid stent does the trick! Love the crocheted mat! Perfect for the laundry!

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  3. So glad you had a good 'procedure' and no ill effects! Guess you are just getting to be a 'pro' at this!

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  4. Wonderful news Linda. Happy line dancing! I have to ask.......did the spot come off your quilt?

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  5. Guess I should have read your post first LOL. Thanks for the update - glad the recovery is going well. I've made several of those rugs, yours is so pretty. And the verse you shared is my life verse, love it.

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  6. That rug is really cute, Linda. I just am sure that it was relaxing therapy after your procedure. So glad that you haven't been in pain this time!

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  7. Great use of fabric strips. Your rug looks lovely. Glad your procedure went without a hitch, good that you had it done and hopefully the new stent is THE ONE and once you had the other side is fixed too you can forget about it.

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  8. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, Linda! I needed to read that verse today, thanks for the reminder of God's faithfulness.

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  9. Good thing you are keeping on top of this! I hope you are feeling better soon.
    Cute rug!

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  10. Glad you are feeling good, but gee whiz. A permanent fix would be grand!! Love the rug. Crochet isn't one of my acquired skills so I'll just admire yours!

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  11. The rug came out great. NOW what are you going to do? Any more hand projects lined up?

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  12. The rug came out great. Glad the procedure went well but sorry to hear that another one is on the list. But as you have noted perspective is the key here.

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  13. Great to hear all is well after your procedure. What I find incredible is the fact that you look so fit and able. I have very high cholesterol which seems to be hereditory in my case. I'm not over weight and go to the gym 5 days a week and it doesn't seem to make a difference, so I'm glad yours was sorted before you had a major problem!
    I LOVE your rug. I guess the hardest part is cutting the strips and rolling it into a ball! haha :-)

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  14. The rug is lively and pretty, and took you very little time. Was going to suggest that maybe dampening it and using T-pins to coax it into the oval shape you want might work nicely. Glad things went well with your procedure. Have you looked into coconut oil or apple cider vinegar as dietary aids/supplements to reduce placque? I've read some about their use. A thought. I know you've done a lot with healthful diet.

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  15. Do not be afraid - I'm told it is the most often given command in the Bible, even as many as 365 times. But do we heed it....not usually. :) You are right in that this is a small thing when you compare it with the issues others have. But to you it is a big thing because it is you and I will continue to pray that it will be resolved for once and for all. I love the rug. I used to crochet a lot and enjoyed it a lot. I think I'll try this when I find a crochet hook that large so thanks for the information. blessings, marlene

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  16. I'm so sorry to hear about your blockages again but hope the new stents will be more successful. I love the crocheted rug. My grandmother used to make them by crocheting with bread bags cut into strips. Have you ever heard of that? I never really understood them as there is no absorbency what so ever, maybe she just liked to keep her fingers busy!,

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  17. Thank you so much for the instructions for the rug! I am still collecting and then will make one for sure. PTL!!! I'm so glad that you're doing so well.

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  18. I love the rug. I used to make those too and it was fun. I'm glad you hear that things went smoothly for you but sorry to hear that you face another surgery. May that one go as smoothly and painlessly as this one did.

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  19. I'm happy to hear that your leg problems are getting easier and hopefully will find a permanent solution. You are a real trooper. I love your rug too. I have made a rug with the toothbrush handle technique, the ending result looks a lot like your crocheting it. Might have to make one to get my stash report to move in the right direction. lol

    Love the colors in yours.

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  20. Love the rug, I can't crochet I have tried to learn from different people and my friend told me I was hopeless! Lol
    Sorry about your medical problems I have been ill for the last few months and I haven't been able to quilt since July.

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  21. Glad to hear there was no discomfort with your most recent procedure. Glad to see you sewing and quilting again.

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  22. Interesting that in this same month I was sitting in Utah, two states away from my home, at the bedside of my BIL, who has had two stents put in his liver for his cancer treatments! He had to get a solid stent as well - seems for what he needed they worked better, too.

    I wish I come and sit by you and keep you company while you undergo your procedures, but I know you have lots of good support there. I'm a pretty good hospital person (as my son had over 20 surgeries as a child), but I'm thinking (unfortunately) you're getting to be as good as anyone!

    Anyway, just know I'm thinking about you, even though this procedure in long-passed. I know you have another on the horizon--hugs to you as you work your way to the best solutions.

    :) Elizabeth
    P.S. You know my drill--no need to answer all these notes that I'm filling up your mailbox with. Just want you to know I'm thinking about you.

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