Look who's writing a blog post!
The new year has brought some new challenges as well as new opportunities. One of the things that a few of you know (though not many) is that I have a panic/anxiety disorder. I joke that it developed after years of being a successful stage manager where I used up my allotment of stress management tools. I was experiencing some good progress but was completely derailed at the end of 2012. The shootings at the mall and in Connecticut, my husband being let go from his job (leading to a lawsuit which is another level of stress), my mother in law passing away, our neighbor's home being broken into - these all kind of hit me like a truck and made it hard for me to accept the world in general as a safe place to be. So the anxiety pretty much took over to the point of it being difficult for me to leave the house.
But things are getting back on track now. I have a wonderful and caring doctor who is helping me and a supportive counselor who is giving me some great tools for managing the condition as well as good friends who keep me smiling. And then there was the Madrona Road challenge by the Modern Quilt Guild.
It might sound a bit hokey, but this challenge was just what I needed to get my creative mojo going again. Violet Craft is the designer of this beautiful line of fabric and she also happens to be a member of my local modern quilt guild. She's a lovely person and I'm a huge fan of Madrona Road.
Some of the flowers in her prints reminded me of dresdens so that's where I went with this project. The line includes a great text print as well and I pulled a few phrases out that really represent to me some of what I've been going through.
The full text on the mini reads: Onwards and experience. She tied all the loose threads together, sometimes unravelling again and again. Stitch by stitch she pieced her soul together.
So, that's the update on me. Thank you to Violet for your beauty, talent, creativity, and words. And thank you to the Modern Quilt Guild for sponsoring this challenge.
So great to see you back ~ love your Madrona Road Challenge project! Also wanted to send a hug your way, I too suffer from high anxiety and it can make it difficult to see anyone. If you ever want some company to sit and sew for a while, let me know!
ReplyDeletenever diminish your own feelings. they are real; it's good to recognize them; and it's important to address them.
ReplyDeletegreat dresden! yay!
Love the Madrona Road block. So pretty. I, too, suffer from an anxiety disorder and it can be so disabling. Sewing is therapeutic for me as well. When I must focus my full attention on the project at hand it lessens my ability to think of other things. Hang in there and know there are others out there who can relate. When your world doesn't feel safe it's the most scary feeling in the world. Hugs to you! Keep on sewing!
ReplyDeleteStitch by Stitch was my favorite part as well. I've been missing you at the meetings and am so glad to hear you are on the road to recovery! What you are going through is so hard to deal with and I'm glad you are sharing it here thank you.
ReplyDeleteAnxiety is a pernicious thing, it really does eat away at you and outside help is such a good idea. You have had an awful lot to cope with. I am so pleased you are making again, and that you have some help, hugs from me xxx
ReplyDeleteYour challenge quilt is so creative and very inspiring. I love your use of the Madrona Road fabrics! Sewing is wonderful therapy and I'm glad it brings you some peace of mind. Hang in there!!
ReplyDeleteLove this Megan, it's gorgeous and the text so special. I'm sorry things have been so hard for you lately. You really have had such a load on your plate. I hope the people around you can help to lighten the load a little and help you find your way. Thinking of you. xxx
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your story. I lost a good friend unexpectedly at the beginning of the year, and that combined with other events had me hiding & crying for several weeks. I worked on my Madrona Road challenge quilt too :) Your quilt is beautiful. Hugs to you.
ReplyDeleteNever hurt your feelings and never loose hope because it is ladder by which you have to climb to reach success, Thanx for sharing your story with us friend :)
ReplyDelete