Basted Chicken

Embroidery added to the branch

The handwork I did to finish the chicken appliqué and embroidery on the Mt. Hood/Oregon project took a toll on my body. Last week, I pushed myself too far. Instead of stopping when I felt the numbness in my left arm, I stitched for another 15 minutes. The following morning, I couldn't raise my arm to brush my teeth or my hair!

Fortunately, I had a chiropractic appointment already on my schedule. I went and although the adjustments helped, I still couldn't move without pain. . .this included breathing! The chiropractor suggested a massage. I was fortunate again because someone had canceled and the massage therapist that I see regularly had an opening.

Again, the massage helped; but, I still was sore.  Although I was able to scratch my head, it was painful to do it. I took it easy for three days. I missed stitching; but, I also didn't feel like stitching either! Every day, I felt a little better so that by the fourth day, I prepared and stitched the back for the chicken.

Two pillow cases ready to stitch

On the fifth day, I cut a couple pillow cases to use the extra back fabric and feather fabric that I purchased so long ago! I am determined that the remaining pieces don't go back into the stash!

On the sixth day, I layered and basted the chicken. (Did you think that I was sharing a recipe because of the Basted Chicken title?? ) The top was lumpy. I'm thinking that when I added the leaves/vines that traveled across the blocks, I stretched the blocks as I stitched. It is going to be tough to "quilt out" that fullness. I'm going to give it a try!

Chicken ready for quilting

Basted chicken looks so much better to me than the chicken as a top. After having the project hang out in the studio for the past decade, it is exciting to have it to the quilting phase!

I'm still on the mend; but, I am moving so much better. I did help with setting up the equipment for our guild's quilt show yesterday. I paced myself. When the equipment was in place and the quilts were starting to be hung, I went home. I'm glad I stopped when I did. Tomorrow, I get to see the quilts. . . all 300 plus of them . . .Saturday, body willing, I'll help with the take down of the show. More to come!