Postpartum isn't the technically correct term for it at this point (especially since my son will be turning 4 in just over month). It's called Dysthymia, which is not a term most people are familiar with. If you are interested in understanding a little bit better what dysthymia is, here is a link that describes it very well-- and includes a couple great quotes from Goethe and A.A. Milne (Pooh/Eeyore). Right now I have a case of "double depression" in which I'm going through a period of major depression (which happens with us dysthymic people from time to time). So I'm laying low until I can pull myself out of this.
But enough about my state of mood. Since my blog is titled "Postpartum Quilter", I did/do feel a certain sense of obligation to share and educate about that aspect, rather than retreating in a hole, (which is my true preference, at the moment).
But let me not forget that the second part of my blog title is "Quilter" and I have been doing a some quilting these last few weeks as part of my very first swap. Cindy across the sea at Fluffy Sheep Quilting has organized a wonderful Mug Rug & Goodie Swap. Check out the Flicker photostream to see the amazing things that people are creating. There are sixty-two of us, from novice to advanced.
Here is my mug rug for Partner 1:
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| Front view |
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| Back side |
Partner 1 if you are reading this (and you think you know who you might be), I am about to reveal a clue about you-- so don't read further if you don't want the "surprise" to be spoiled.
Partner 1 has three children, hence the fussy cut of the big bird with 3 little birds on the branch. All of the fabrics I used are from Valorie Well's Wrenly line (which I LOVE).
You might notice that I cleverly avoided adding binding. For now, I'm calling it finished, as the mailing deadline is fast approaching. If I can manage it in the next few days, I'll try to add binding, because, to my eye, it looks like it could use it.
For Partner 2, who likes bright colors, and especially blues, greens and purples, I came up with this:
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| Front |
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| Back |
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| close-up detail of some of the stitching |
I have made one of my two goodies so far, so I will post those in a few days time (or more).
Thank you, virtual blogging friends, for helping to sustain me, in your own way(s), through this difficult period. You give me inspiration!
7 comments:
Elisa, the mug rugs are beautiful!
I'm going to email you about the other stuff.
Loves xxx
Thank you so much for your honesty and vulnerability. I know lots of folks will be able to relate. And I'd be so happy to receive either of your beautiful mugrugs. They are both wonderful. Take care. Hugs Jxo
Gorgeous mug rugs :-) I'm sure your partners are going to love them!
I'm so sorry that you are struggling right now :-( I have been thinking about you this weekend, and hope that you can continue to be surrounded by supportive thoughts and people as you work to pull out of this bout of depression. I don't know what is helpful for you, and I realize that I don't really know you - but if it at any point it would be helpful to share some of your thoughts and struggles with someone who brings no judgement and no connections in real life, I am hear to listen/read. I sincerely care :-)
And may I say, I have loved your birdie mug rug since you first posted the "in the works" pictures. Reading the significance of the mama and 3 baby birds makes me love it even more! Crossing my fingers that maybe it is flying to my nest??? :-)
Best wishes to you!
I'd smack the person who had the nerve to put a mug atop one of those rugs. They're much too pretty to cover up or risk getting stained!
I'm sorry to hear you are in a low. I'm sorry I can't be there for you except virtually. Love the mug rugs and their bright colors, especially the birdie rug :).
Sorry to hear about your hard time Elisa! I can also relate because I've been having a very tough year and had to go on medication for it a few months ago for it - probably much due to post natal depression but my doc hasn't labelled it as such officially. As hard as it is I find it very therapeutic writing about it on my blog so I hope that it helps when you do that too. I also hope you have a good network of support around you and help you come out of it. Good on your for being involved in the swapping community because I always find that they are such a supportive bunch and it's good to have an outlet. Anyway both beautiful mugrugs! Well done. Sadly I only have 2 birds in my nest so it won't be coming to me :(
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