Yet another run around errand on my erstwhile month OFF from the hustle and bustle of quilt travel.
It was a two shot day: Tetanus in one arm and Flu shot in the other.
Physicals are important, and so is getting the dreaded shots, even if it means my quilting arms will be sore for a couple of days.
However, with the new insurance policies this was yet again an OFF year for getting a pap. I’m still not sure how I feel about that – once every 3 years is good in theory. I don’t like pelvic exams, but I’m having to trust the government where cervical cancer and other nasty things can go on undetected in my body? I feel like I’m walking around with a huge question mark over my uterus because a lot can happen in 3 years between pap exams, especially at my age.
However, I was greatly uplifted by the fact that my cranberry gown matches my cranberry winter socks.
There are things to smile about!
I pulled out Marilyn the Morse!
I needed her zig-zag ability to piece a batting!
I had a roll end that was just “THIS” much short of being big enough for this quilt. Some leftover pieces from the last two previous quilts were zig zagged together and added to the roll end and I was good to go.
((I do not want to use iron-on-anything in my batting piecing. I use cotton thread. I don’t want glue in my quilt. Just stating this here because someone is going to ask why I don’t fuse batting together. Here is your reason!))
And away we go!
This pantograph is called Marmalade by Urban Elementz.
I love it and will be using it again!
And this is where my day went from HELLO!
To
O! Hell!
I broke a needle.
Or the machine did.
And I’m not even sure why or how….but before I could stop it, the broken needle shaft had perforated the quilt with a plethora of holes, breaking fibers along its way. Believe me. O! Hell! was mild compared to what could have come out of my mouth. SIGH.
It’s right at the edge of the bottom border, but not quite. It’s too far away from the edge to be covered by binding.
So here is my solution:
This will be appliqued in place.
I will quilt over it with the same aqua thread.
Hanging sleeve, binding and label ready to go!
The hanging sleeve is the same fabric as the quilt backing. I don’t often do light colored backs, but this one is too perfect not to use – and I had a piece big enough. That’s the best reason to use yardage that there is. Is it big enough? Go for it!
My plan is to get the binding, sleeve and label on today – it will go back up to the cabin with me for the weekend as my evening stitching project.
One thing I like to do when I am home for an extended period of time is get back in touch with my local friends. I have a lunch planned today that I am really looking forward to.
It’s been too long.
Have someone you haven’t sat down and really talked with in quite a while? Give them a call. Go to lunch. Get coffee. Or tea. Put the world on hold for a few minutes and concentrate on what really makes you happy. These friendships are important. Cherish them!
Digital Pattern Blowout Continues!
Just a reminder --all digital download patterns in the Quiltville Store are 25% off through December 4th! Remember to use code: digital25 at checkout.
AND MORE GREAT NEWS!! Companion Angle Rulers are back in stock and available under the notions and tools section of the store as well. Hooray! Still giggling that we sold out even my distributor!
Happy Wednesday, everyone!
I really think the Government, deciding how your body parts should be "maintained and inspected" is just wrong. This is all about "cutting costs", not keeping you healthy and well. I do wonder what the true cost is of a pap test, and does the doc do the pelvic exam and ignore the pap test? Maybe it is worth paying for yourself? About 12 years ago, I found a GYN who specialized in pre-post menopausal women. It was nice to know that I was getting the type care, annually, that is required during this changing time of life.
ReplyDeleteGood solution to the shredded fabric problem. I agree with you as to the reason for not using fusible tape to hold batting pieces together. Another reason I like to zigzag the pieces together is that it's practically free. Just a few feet of thread. Using leftover batting is an economy measure after all.
ReplyDeleteYea, I was wondering the same, if your insurance will pay for a well visit, how much will they charge for just a pap test out of pocket? Bill the insurance for the rest. I need to call today and make my appt too. So much can happen in three years if it's an aggressive kind of cancer.
ReplyDeleteSo frustrating with your needle break and messed up quilt. I think the applique on top and then quilt it in is a great solution. Sometimes when there's a problem on the back, that's where the label goes, especially if it's where I usually put one anyway. I love that marmalade pattern, may have to get that the next time I order. I was using one that was called curled hearts I think for the first time yesterday and it crossed over a couple times and was hard to tell where to go, so I had to draw arrows on it when you came out of the curl thank goodness it worked. Now if every quilt was totally nice and flat, it would be fantastic. I havent done much sewing in a few weeks, and yesterday made a block for a mug rug for a Christmas party guild gift and it turned out so nice, loved making the block. It's from Farm Girl Vintage book and was the teapot in aunt gracies fabric. Need to get more sewing today, enjoy your time with your friend.
You are right to be concerned. Never did I think that I would have uterine cancer but last Nov. had hysterectomy which took care of that. Those tests need to be yearly for peace of mind.
ReplyDeleteOn the quilt front I just love this quilt...the colors especially. It just makes one happy to look at it. Marilyn the Morse's color is prime also.
I'm so thankful for your blog and inspiration.
These delays in testing are terrible. My SIL went from a clean pap one year to stage 3 cervical cancer a year later. Secondary symptoms allowed it to be diagnosed or it would have gotten a lot worse before her next scheduled pap.
ReplyDeleteThen, my Mum just had a feeling she should go in for a mammogram a year after her last clean one and she had stage 4 breast cancer.
It's incredible how fast these things can grow. I am in extreme disagreement over the new scheduling policies.
The insurance companies wrote those policies, not the government. Those same insurance companies who profit over our health. Many would not have any services covered at all if it weren't for the Affordable Care Act.
ReplyDeleteNice fix on the quilt injury! A pain for sure, but your experience led you to a good solution.
ReplyDeleteI had a quilt that I patched with purple hearts where my dog had accidentally made small holes in...I figure it was wounded in action.
I don't care what the government or the insurance companies say... My mom is on her second bout of breast cancer and I'm not taking any chances. I get checked every year.. even when the insurance company refuses. Talk to the doc and work out a payment plan if necessary. But get it done rather than worry.
ReplyDeleteYour quilt is beautiful, Bonnie. I'm enjoying the mystery quilt this year. Thanks to you, my little blocks are coming out the correct size.
ReplyDeleteAnd I agree, the government and insurance should stay out of making health care decisions. Those decisions should be between patient and doctor. Just my opinion.
RI just got my quilt - Cathedral Stars- back from the long arm quilter, and I guess I didn't catch three of my little squares on new side with th seam. Can you suggest a way to sew this back on. I had to put fray check on the squares so they won't unravel, but since it has already been quilted, I'm stuck on what to do next. Can you help me?
ReplyDeleteLchin632@gmail.com
I hate that some faceless, nameless person who sits at a desk somewhere decides on my medical care. I lost a friend because of a bad decision by "them". I agree that we have to walk around with a ? Mark on us. Well put. Lucky to have a Doctor I can trust.
ReplyDeleteRecommended guidelines for cervical screening are from the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologist, ACOG, not the government or the insurance companies. Testing should be discussed with your physician to determine how often a pap smear should be done, the same for mammogram or other preventative health screening. There is a great information page on the pap smear guidelines on the ACOG web site, http://www.acog.org/Womens-Health/Pap-Smear-Pap-Test If the link doesn't come through, search on ACOG guidelines for pap smears. Talk to your doctor about your concerns and a second opinion is always an option.
ReplyDeleteSo far my insurance pays for yearly everything. If if didn't I'd pay out of pocket. It's worth it not to be stressed over the big if and why didn't I. I love your new quilt!
ReplyDeleteYikes that whole in the back must have been a problem, but it seems you fixed it ok. Now if that had been a customers quilt probably would be a bigger deal. Hate when things like that happen.
ReplyDeleteQuestion on dr. appts. Do they give you a hard time when they ask about being out of the country in the last 3 weeks. it seems every time I go to the dr now that is the first question they ask. Just wondering if it has caused you any problems with all your travels.
Hi Bonnie,
ReplyDeleteI just had my pap last week and being an ER nurse was a little concerned with the pap every 3 years. So I asked the OB/GYN doctor her feelings on this matter and while she does not like the government sticking their noses in this issue ( and we both agreed that if it was all about the man business it would be totally different story), she informed me that they are now doing HPV screenings. She said that the clinical data proves there is a ZERO chance of getting cervical or uterian cancer in 3 years IF you have a negative HPV screening. I know I feel better knowing this but certaining if anyone is having ANY problems, check with your doctor and/ or get a second opinion! BTW- LOVE the new quilt AND all you do for us, your loyal followers.
Barb
bhull22@cox.net
Bonnie I love this Quilt the colors are amazing together I love your beautiful neutral strings can't wait for this pattern. Thank you for all that you do for us quilters. Marguerite Jones paintsewmom1@aol.com
ReplyDeleteI quilted a quilt for my sister that had a loose seam--one side of 1 square was not fully caught in the seam. The hopping foot caught and tore it more. After it was off the quilt frame I hand sewed a square over the problem square. Then from the back I traced over the quilting in that area with my regular sewing machine. It was a very invisible repair in the end.
ReplyDeleteThe needle made a mess, glad you could fix it! Hope you enjoy yourself during this non-Travel time. It's always good to take care of you. Life is flying by. I hear ya on the age thing.
ReplyDeleteBonnie: I swear you have a little elf that sews at night for you. I am working on a scrappy that is not moving 1/2 as fast as yours. Now Christmas stuff's creeping into my sewing time.
ReplyDeleteIn Ontario Canada we are every 2 years, paps, mammogram. The notice comes from the health ministry.
Have a great day,
Elaine
It was an "off" year for me as well for my Pap, but I just wasn't comfortable with that since it had already been 2 1/2 years and I have a close female relative that has had cervical cancer. So I insisted and my doc did the exam. Thankfully it came back ok. If the insurance company denies the claim, then I will pay out of pocket. Pap smears are cheap, relatively speaking, compared to so many other tests so worth the money in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteGreat fix on the quilt, btw! Disaster averted :-)
A way to rethink routine exams is to think why the annual exam was done in the first place. Why not do exams every 6 months? Every month? It was habit, not research that made that annual interval. We encourage evidence based practice in exams to establish intervals. The current science is every three years. It will change as research gives us more information. Here is the CDC linik: http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/pdf/guidelines.pdf
ReplyDeleteI love the turquoise!
I love marmalade! I can't even begin to say the many things I love about it. I really love this quilt Bonnie! You are inspirational! Thanks for all you do for the quilting community.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you Bonnie. Every 3 years is not enough. Australia has a 2 year policy and it's covered under our Medicare (some gap payment may apply) and they send you a letter when it is due. I, myself have one every year due to my history, even though it has been ok for the last few years.
ReplyDeleteGive me Australia's health system any day! I also have private insurance as well for those things not covered under Medicare.
Bonnie, I am an OB/GYN physician, and I do not agree with the reduced screening recommendation at this time. Most insurances cover a yearly physical exam/breast/pelvic exam. Also, from my experience, they cover the pap/pathology as well. Medicare only covers it every two years, but by 65 years old (Medicare age), that is acceptable. you still need the exam every year, even if you and your Dr decide to Not send a pap. Please ask your Dr, and he/she would likely be willing to send pap.
ReplyDeleteI recommend my patients come in every year for "well woman exam," and we discuss the option of pap. As of now, I have not had problems with insurances covering it.
ps, I think your blog is awesome!
I love it that your socks matched your gown. You are quite the fashion diva!! It was a stressful day and that picture gave me a much-needed laugh. Thanks for sharing a real slice of life - quilting and otherwise - it is always appreciated.
ReplyDeleteI am loving your quilt on the frame. Will it be in your new book because I need to make it? What a quick and perfect fix to your broken needle tear in your beautiful quilt! You are amazing!
ReplyDeleteLove the socks and matching coverup!
I'm with you and everyone else that commented on the regulations re: Pap smears.
Ha e you told us the name of this quilt and I missed it? I want the pattern.
ReplyDeleteLove it.
Great Quilt Bonnie! I love the colors and the Pantograph.
ReplyDeleteI like your Christmas/Winter socks!
Your Physical/shots. Yes they are necessary facts of life. I got caught up on all my medical issues, except I have to go in and get my shingles shot this next week. I am sure you will be fine in a couple of days, with no arm soreness.
I hope you enjoyed your luncheon date with friends. You need to be able to enjoy some time off with friends this month.
Thanks for everything you do for us, including sharing your life with us.
lets know what we are talking about if we are going to make a statement. I agree I don't want anyone to make decisions about my body but me. however, nana Vicky is absolutely right its American congress of obstetricians & gynecologists who made the decision.
ReplyDeleteHow often do I need to get a Pap test? It depends on your age and health history. Talk with your doctor about what is best for you. Most women can follow these guidelines:
•If you are between ages 21 and 29, you should get a Pap test every 3 years.
•If you are between ages 30 and 64, you should get a Pap test and human papillomavirus (HPV) test together every 5 years or a Pap test alone every 3 years.
•If you are 65 or older, ask your doctor if you can stop having Pap tests.
Some women may need more frequent Pap tests. You should talk to your doctor about getting a Pap test more often if:
•You have a weakened immune system because of organ transplant, chemotherapy, or steroid use.
•Your mother was exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) while pregnant.
•You have had treatment for abnormal Pap results or cervical cancer in the past.
•You are HIV-positive. Women who are living with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, are at a higher risk of cervical cancer and other cervical diseases. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all HIV-positive women get an initial Pap test, and get re-tested 6 months later. If both Pap tests are normal, HIV-positive women can get yearly Pap tests in the future.
I had to smile when reading about your batting fix as I have always just zigged-zagged pieces together to get the size I need. Why use another fusible when not needed!!
ReplyDeleteI'd like to be able to ease your mind about the pap... it's amazing that the faceless (mostly useless) government can determine our health and what is required to maintain that health... years ago, my blood pressure was normal, now (same numbers) it's high and requires Rx to keep it "normal"... mammograms, de riguer annually? not so much once you reach 50... which I always thought once you have a baseline normal you should be able to skip a year... now same thing with colonoscopy! AND after 50 fewer and fewer and after 80 none required as long as you're asymptomatic! Sigh... GOOD JOB on the quilt repair, another good reason to do scrappy quilts!!!! Looking toward Friday and next clue... i'm unreasonably excited about doing this quilt...Hope sometime to be able to sit and just chat with you person-to-person... I know you've been in the quilting business a long time, but I've only just "discovered" you this past year... <3
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking care of yourself my friend! Also thank you for the reminder to get together with friends. Me and Deb Singer-Hayter will be sewing together on the 11th -- we'll be working on the Allietare mystery of course! You are loved!! Hugs, Allison in Plano, TX USA
ReplyDeleteThe quilt could be in worse shape. We spent Thanksgiving at our cabin, upstate NY, and sometime before we got there, the mice ate 3 holes in my Queen size string Drunkards Path, that I made last year. It made me feel ill to see it. I have leftovers from the quilt top, and I've got a whole lot of appliqueing to do, to fix this mess; hopefully, I will get to it next week.
ReplyDeleteThe answer to your first problem is to VOTE CONSERVATIVE REPUBLICAN in 2016.
ReplyDeleteYou can thank those bleeding heart, ultra liberal progressives and the Community Organizer for your problem.