Another long Blog Break, A New Store, and Some WIPs

I haven't blogged in several months.  Again.  I'm not often on my computer, and blogging from my phone is not easy.  I also never seem to have much to blog about anymore.

So, it's been a rough year.  I had a stroke in August, and have had so many tests to find out why because I am only 38 years old.  That was an experience I hope never to repeat again.  I have had to go through physical therapy and am in the process of applying for disability.  I have right sided weakness, which is a pain, I was using a cane for a long time, but physical therapy has helped, and I don't use it near as much anymore.  What bothers me most now is my right arm when stitching.  I'm left handed, but my right arm is my dominant hand while stitching and it gets weak and tired and sore really quick, making for hard times when I am in the groove and just want to stitch for hours and can't.  I hope it will get better over time.  My memory and concentration have also suffered from this.  I am also tired all the time, which the doctor assured me is normal, and could last for a very long time.

So, onto happier news!  I have decided to have a go at a new business!!  I have opened up my own online (hopefully in the next few years to be a brick and mortar) needlework shop!  It's slow going, and I have such little space in my house for storage I can't keep much inventory, but I am trying very hard.  I've had several orders, and they are so fun fulfilling.  I hope my customers have been happy with my service.  Check out my new shop at www.stitchesinheaven.com, and my shop blog at http://stitchesinheaven.stitchesinheaven.com/.

As stated in the title of the blog, I also have some WIPs to share.  I have been doing a year of the WIPs this year.  So since January 1 (technically December 31, 2017), I've been stitching on WIPs only.  No new starts, though that might change, I want to start something new so bad, lol.  Anyway, I started with my old WIP of Chatelaine's Deep Blue Sea Mandala.  I stitched on it until January 26th, then I needed to switch it up, and stitch on something else.  My eyes were getting tired of the black fabric.  BUT, I did finish part 5, started and finished part 6, and started part 8.

Part 5

Part 6

Part of Part 8

The WIP I chose to stitch on next is my oldest Chatelaine I have, Medieval Town Mandala.  I put it away after I stitched one set of over one butterflies, I guess that was enough for me at the time, lol.  I've stitched on this from January 26th until today, February 5th (and am still going).  I've finished all the over one butterflies and am slowly working my way out.  I am noticing my arm getting really tired on this one.

All the little over one butterflies finished!

Progress as of last night

And, believe it of not, I actually have some finishes to share!

From the top, Electra by Nora Corbett, under her is The Willow Queen by Nora Corbett, and on the right side is Bella Vita by Nora Corbett.  I stitched these three all after my stroke, so from September through December.

Thanks for stopping by!  I hope my readers have saved my blog on their lists!

Rachel 💖💖💖