Monday, April 12, 2010

I Was In A Lollipop Mood Today!

I'll explain the Lollipop Mood in a minute, but first.......

What a day!!!! I was already awake, but not out of bed yet when the phone rang. It was a nurse from the nursing home telling me that my mom was very upset. So, I jumped up, threw on clothes, ran my fingers through my wild hair and drove up there. She was REALLY upset. She'd had a bad dream and was scared. She settled down when I got there and talked to her. I helped her eat a little cereal, but I could tell that she wasn't totally calmed down. (She actually started being anxious yesterday.) I told the nurse that it would be ok to give her something to help her settle down and sleep for a while. I stayed until she was sound asleep. I went back at lunch time and dinner time. She was awake both times and ate good meals. She was much calmer!!! I don't understand what's going on with her, and neither does the doctor, but it is hard to see her this way. This stage usually lasts for several days, then she usually sleeps for 2 - 3 days, then she's usually ok for a few days. She actually had a great week all of last week!! I guess I should just be glad there are good days.
My mother-in-law is doing well. She goes back to the orthopedic doctor on Wednesday, and my father-in-law is hoping she will get to come home then. He will have help from home health workers, physical therapists, and occupational therapists at home for a while.

This afternoon, I sewed. I find that sewing helps me take my mind off of other things, so it is really like therapy for me. Does sewing help you this way, too?

My daughter bought this light turquoise cotton fabric and the green ribbon to make Lil' E a pillowcase dress, but instead she gave it to me to make. I've had it since Christmas, and I finally got it done today. I added this polka dotted fabric as the hem band and the lollipop! The top is simply a casing through which the ribbon is threaded. I stitched at the ends of the casings to hold the ribbon in place. I made bias binding to bind the arm slits. As you can see, I added a border of yellow rick rack on the top of the hem border, blue around the outside of the lollipop, and pink to simulate the swirled candy. The lollipop stick is 4 rows of cording that I just zigzagged into place. I added the green bow, and Voila, a lollipop pillowcase dress. I guess I should be calling it a faux pillowcase dress, since it really isn't made from a pillowcase at all. It can't get much simpler than this! I hope Lil' E and her mom like it.

12 comments:

Karen said...

What a cute idea! Where do you get your inspirations? So sorry about your mom, Julia. I hope she'll be better tomorrow with a good night's sleep(oops, today, since it's after midnight). It's good that you have something to help you relax after these stressful days. Take care and thanks for sharing.

MamaCta! said...

That pillowcase dress is soooo cute! I think I am going to try one, I have two little girls who love pretty dresses.

Sewing has been extremely therapeutic for me this past year and has actually helped keep me from getting sucked down into depression.

Thanks for visiting my blog today:)

Trudy said...

Julia, I am so sorry to hear about your mom feeling anxious and having bad dreams. I can only imagine how difficult this must be for you. She is so fortunate to have you be able to just pop right on over to help calm her.

I absolutely adore this lollipop dress. It makes me want to make one! You are so creative. You are an artist with fabric.

I find that sewing is very therapeutic and relaxing for me, too. It really does help to take your mind off of things.

KID, MD said...

So cute!! Sewing is definitely my therapy, too. I'm glad that we all have this outlet when life gets challenging. I hope that your mom is back to herself soon.

Unknown said...

these are so sweet

gwensews said...

Julia, that is so totally cute! I love embellished clothing for little girls and big ones, as well. Best wishing to your mom. And to you.

ShirleyC said...

Julia, I'm sorry to hear about your mom. I know that would have to be very upsetting to say the least. It is so hard to watch our parents go downhill. My prayers are with you.
The dress is darling. You are always so creative. I agree about sewing being therapy. It's what has driven me to keep healing after my surgery 2 years ago, and my grands, of course.

Kim said...

Julia- the dress is sooooo sweet! Hand sewing calms my nerves- and embroidery---I LOVE embroidery...but sewing on the machine just stresses me out worse. I don't know why my machine hates me so much.

sewing spots said...

Yes to sewing therapy! Blogging (and blog reading) are good therapy, too. Take care of yourself. Good luck w/ your mom.

Unknown said...

Julia, I know it is hard to see your Mother going thru this, prayers are lifted for you both.

Love the lolli-dress! This is adorable!!!

Have a beautiful week.
TTFN ~ Hugs, Marydon

Unknown said...

Hon you are always there for her. I'll pray for you to hang in there and be strong. It must be so hard to see her like this.

Rettabug said...

Julia, this is a very cute little pillowcase dress! I love all the fun trims you used & those lime green ribbons really make it POP!
Sewing is the BEST therapy!

Thanks for stopping by the Gazebo House earlier this week.

Favorite Posts

big list of sewing blogs

Big list of Sewing blogs - I'm in, are you?
I'm listed in the big list of sewing blogs Sponsors Advertise on sewing-blogs.com
Julias Sew Sweet
How to Sew
Place your vote for Julias Sew Sweet and find more How to Sew at Seamingly.com.










Attitude of Gratitude Award