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Monday, May 12, 2008

What I did during my Recovery..no idle hands here!

Hello, Everyone! I know, I know, I've been remiss from posting, but I'm getting back on my feet, almost ready for getting back to work next week. My knee looks like it had a huge staple removed out of it, but is healing! The doctor is pleased with my recovery and I started physical therapy today. I'll be gimping back two more days this week and will then follow up after work next week. Thanks to everyone for the wonderful comments and thoughts. It is much appreciated!

So, what does one do when stuck in bed with a knee connected to a Polar Care Knee Brace? Well, inking is not in the cards. Also, being on the computer is also not practical when the knee has to be up and your computer is on a desk. Thus, we head back to what can be done in bed between naps...beading and crocheting, both yarn and crochet. So, needless to say, I'm on a bead kick again.
My mom was always a knitter and I was able to do some basics...then she learned this crochet stitch and has been making blankets like a madwoman. So, like mother, like daughter. This is my second go; the first one I made was for my friend Danielle's absolutely adorable son, Kieran. My mom picked this Country Basket colored yarn up for me and I've been working on this blanket from time to time. it's fun to do when I don't need much to think about.
I also got in some new bead mixes and finished up one of my bead crochet ropes. I'll then be ready to put something on it for a necklace down the line. Can you see a blue theme here? Many have asked me about the bead crochet. It's actually pretty simple once you get the hang of it. It just becomes whether you want to do a more intricate pattern, which involves stringing them on one at a time in a certain order, or just going for the bead soup. For a wonderful reference and coolio bead mixes, check out the BeadWrangler!

I also finally got to work on some of my Swarovski stash. I worked with my C-Lon cord that is in a bazillion colors and works great for macrame and some top drill Bicone Crystal AB Swarovskis that have been burning a hole in my crystal horde. A super reference for some jewelry macrame is from Sherri Haab, Beaded Macrame Jewelry. This resulted in an anklet for me, one for my mom (Happy Mother's Day), a bracelet for my niece as part of her First Communion present...now with requests for more!

Rivolis are the latest rage and before my surgery I picked up this wonderful book from Laura McCabe. The instructions are clear, the graphics understandable and most of all, blingy! The first one I made was using various matte and shiny black seed beads, Jet Black 3mm Swarovski bicone crystals and a Crystal AB Rivoli. The Montana (denim-y blue) one is still a work in process. I'm working on the necklace still, but am so psyched as to how the hanging dangly rivolis turned out! I also totally agree with Laura's recommendation to use Fireline wire for beading. because the crystals can sometimes end up cutting event the toughest beading threads, this stuff will really hold up!

So, between naps, doctor's visits and icing, icing, icing of my knee, I've been keeping my hands busy while my knee is healing. Since my knee is really showing good signs of recovering, my keeping my a*$ in bed was with a very positive result!
Once I get back, it will be non-stop-Ranger U and Summer CHA! No rest for the weary, my friends!
Inky Hugs, Robin

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Glad you are feeling better. Jeez, you have been a busy bee too. I can't tell you how many compliments I get about my red, white and blue crocheted beaded bracelet here. I could have sold it off my wrist many times. But, I never take it off. Talk soon!

wendy vecchi said...

It's about time you talk to us!!! Glad you're on the mend.

Your beading is absolutely INK=redibly cool. Somehow when I think of me doing that...all I see is me picking up the d*** beads off the floor!

You suck...but in a good way, that is...!!
Love ya!
wendy

Unknown said...

Glad you are making a good recovery. Yes you have been busy and the beading is awesome.

Dave Robertson said...

Hi, Robin,

What great work! That must've made the time pass a little less painfully...

Funny story about how I found your blog: My computer reports to me when it thinks it finds mentions of our company. It sent me your way today...I don't see a mention of Rings & Things...though we do sell almost everything you're using! (BTW we have plenty of free projects online if you need more ideas.)

Best compliments, and keep healing!

--Dave Robertson
at Rings & Things

Margie Higuchi said...

My my my...you have been busy! LOL!!! Sounds like you're on the way to a good recovery! Can't wait to see you @ CHA! Hugs, MargieH in Chicago

Catherine Aliff said...

We wondered how you would be able to stay in bed and not keep your hands moving :)!

Continue to heal well...we miss you!

Tammy, Cash, Marguerite & Dale too!

Margot Potter said...

Ms. Beam

Amazing work! I'm so glad to hear you're on the mend.

Get better soon and I can't wait to see you at CHA! Are we in for the dynamic duo demos?!

xoxo
Madge

Anonymous said...

I am so happy to read you are recovering so nicely. Love the projects you created. Very cool.

Anonymous said...

Hi Robin, just wondering how you are doing? Hope you are on the mend and will be up and around real soon. sue w. - CT.

kelli said...

glad the recovery is going well. Keep up with physical therapy is definitely what made me better faster!

dime store daze said...

Hi Robin,
just stopped by to say hello and hope your healing well.
Terri

Anonymous said...

Hey Robin,
Been thinking about you and looking for new posts. Hope you're doing okay.
Rinda

claudine hellmuth said...

thinking of you!!!
xxxoxox

Absolutely Everything said...

Robin...call me! do you have a new e mail address? Thinking of you
and wanting answers...
Kate
AE

Margie Higuchi said...

Hey, Miss Robin!
Just wanted to drop you a line to let you know I was thinking of ya today! Hope your recovery is going well! MargieH xoxoxo

Sudie said...

Yeah! so glad you are on the mend. Beautiful projects. so glad you are back.