Sunday, February 28, 2021

Cross stitch finish

 The stitches are in, but I need to decide what to do with the empty space. The original design (shown in last week’s post) has a vintage safety pin and a fabric scrap in that area. I’ve ordered a Christmas tree charm, but not sure if it’ll look ok or not. 


I moved my Noah quilt to my Barnett hoop. I have better control of my stitches in the lap hoop than I do on the frame. I can turn the hoop in my lap, whereas I can only stitch from right to left in the frame. 


I think I’m making better stitching time this way, plus I can sit on the couch to stitch.


***off topic: I’m a nurse and I’ve donated blood numerous times in my life. However, I had not donated in over 15 years until yesterday. My favorite thrift store was having a blood drive and I promised. 🤪 when I was younger, my coworkers and I would give blood during our working shift and go right back to work. Y’all, I almost fainted! I came home and could hardly make it through the door. I drank water and rested for a couple of hours. And then I had another episode last night! 😱 I’m better this morning, but I think my blood donation days are over. Do you give blood? 🩸 


17 comments:

  1. I donated platelets for over 20 years. I have small veins so they always want to stick me the same place through the scar tissue. The last time I donated, it hurt so bad and kept hurting. I made them take the needle out and I haven't been back since. I always had to go home and eat something then drink lots of water and take it easy. Sometimes though I had to lay on the couch. It seems I would get more shaky in the summer than in the cooler weather. I would never have been able to go back to work.

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  2. I can't give blood because of certain medications I am on - they don't want them in the blood. I gave blood many years ago before I started medications for my autoimmune diseases but it was so many years ago - I know I didn't faint - one of my daughters gave for the first time a couple months ago - she said she didn't feel well at all for hours afterwards, I don't know if she will do it again.

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  3. You've got a couple of beautiful projects in the works. I had to quit giving blood several years ago due to issues with my blood pressure whenever they try to pull blood. I go out like a light.

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  4. Oh my goodness, I hope you are feeling more like yourself today.

    I don't give blood because I am not sure they would take it with my comorbidities/medicine I am on. I should ask about that.

    Your cross-stitch is lovely.

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  5. I always envy your hand stitching and hand quilting skills! I agree that you have more control over the quilting with the hoop because you can turn it. Your projects look wonderful!

    The last time I gave blood was years ago and I felt bad afterwards. Not like fainting, just no energy. I was planning on giving again when there is a memorial blood drive or something like that, but I'm not sure I should.

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  6. Beautiful projects! I gave blood in my college days to get $$ to get a good meal. I was giving blood several years ago, and about the third time they convinced me to give either plasma or platelets I can't remember. I did that twice, and my counts went way down and it took me a long time to recover, so I quit that.

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  7. Your cross stitch is very sweet. I guess when you get the charm it will be a matter of trying it out, I think it might be ok! Well done for donating blood, I am not allowed to give blood and after reading how you felt and your other comments I'm rather relieved!

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  8. Your Noah quilt looks fun, is it a panel?
    I used to donate blood when I was younger, but after a major illness I dont qualify now, and I'm probably past the age limit, I guess.

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  9. I have never donated blood, though I always mean to. =) I didn't realise it can affect you in this way. Your little stitchery is adorable and as for Noah quilt....it is always lovely to catch a glimpse of this whimsical quilt. It is so very sweet!

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  10. I have never donated blood as I get close to fainting even when I have bloodwork done. Enjoy quilting that Noah quilt. I find the hoop best when you have to go in and around motifs. Your cross-stitch looks great. Can't wait to see it with the charm.

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  11. I prefer a hoop too gave up trying a frame years ago. I used to give blood but the last few times I had the same issue with feeling faint! Is there a age limit to give blood?

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  12. Your cross-stitched piece is so sweet! I haven't donated blood in many years. Sounds like it affects you differently as you get older. Hope you're feeling better today!

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  13. Both the embroidery and the Noah quilt are so cute.
    I've never been able to donate blood because I have hypothyroidism.
    It's amazing with all of you who are blood donors.
    Hope you are doing well now.

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  14. Your cross stitch looks good! I am interested to see the tree charm when it comes.
    The Noah quilt is very cute. It is nice to quilt in a hoop you can turn whichever way works best for you.
    I gave blood once when I was in college. I was fine until they removed the needle and I sat up. A nurse hurried over and told me to lay back down. I didn't understand why. Then it hit me--I guess I was extremely pale and when she saw me she knew what was coming. I felt awful and was soon hyperventilating. They had me breathing into a paper bag. After I rested a bit and had cookies and punch, I took my volunteer shift sealing the blood bags. But I never gave blood again. My daughters each gave blood a couple of times in high school, and each time they had to spend the following day in bed. They don't give anymore. But hubby gives regularly--with absolutely no problems! :)

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  15. LOVE your cross stitch! That's what I'm spending most of my time on lately. I used to donate blood, but the last couple of times I went, they said I was borderline anemic, and wouldn't take me. So I stopped going. My dad donated several gallons over his lifetime.

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  16. Your works look lovely. I haven't given blood in years. I'm so sorry to hear about your reaction. Take care.

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  17. hi penpen, wow you have been busy stitching and everything is beautiful. sadly i have'nt stitched anything since getting Missy may, she just turned 2 and i'm afraid to stitch anything because she is always jumping in my lap she would be stabbed by the needle for sure more than once! i have a small wall quilt Noah's ark i bought for my grandson....he just turned 3 LOL. have a new grandson coming i n July. I pray this finds you healthy, have not been blogging for years. take care my friend ill try to visit more frequently. blessings joann allen

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