Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Tying up Loose Ends

This morning, I woke up with the worst back pain. No painting walls for me today. My problem is I hate being idle, in particular when I am determined to accomplish something.

I had to find something to do that would still relate to making the house nicer. About a year ago, I finished a quilt top. It had been sitting on the chaise in my room, ready to be finished.

Now that was a project that tied in well with the house, and would be fun, and satisfying to do.
I grabbed a ball of left over red yarn, and sitting comfortably started tying little bits of red yarn at the intersections of the fabrics.


No heavy lifting while hand-quilting, and before I knew it, I was done.

This back pain was a great thing after all, it forced me to sit long enough to finish the quilt top, and led me to choose the simplest way to finish the quilt. Mind you, I really love the minimalist look of the yarn ties. They add a touch of color and texture, but do not distract. The fabrics still are the center of attention, and are both physically and metaphorically tied together.

After the tying was done, I guess I must have relaxed while doing it, my back felt a little better. Nothing like tying loose ends!

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am looking forward to seeing your finished quilt. ~Kelly

unDeniably Domestic

Colleen said...

I hope your back gets better quickly...back pain is so awful!

Last time, a combo of ibruprofen (which I detest taking) and (warm) Water Yoga class fixed mine...I lucked out that I had a class scheduled, already, for just after I hurt my back. It never had time to get really bad.

Why is it that we can tense those muscles into extreme pain, but can't relax them on purpose?

Diane said...

I like tying quilt tops too (unless it's a wallhanging) I am not very good at hand quilting and if it's a larger size - I don't maneuver my quilt in the sewing machine to machine quilt - and I like the look of a tied quilt too. Adds to the charm.

Those adhesive heat patches are WONDERFUL and many times they offer the only relief for my lower back aches - even when motrin doesn't work - the heat patches kick right in and I can keep active - and they last for 8 hrs.

Susan said...

I love quilts. My friends mother showed me how to make them. I have made some like you did, with yarn to tie down. Baby quilts are quick and fun! Your's looks beautiful!

A said...

Your quilt looks beautiful. I hope your back pain goes away.