This project started August 2007, I had to over-come many obstacles to complete my Hawaiian quilt. I have scleroderma since 1987, it is a chronic connective tissue disease that hardens the skin, internal organs are affected. Still functional, I have all my fingers with hand disfigurement, affected daily with arthritis and vascular challenges.
Sometimes the only relief for a scleroderma patient’s hands is amputation, because it is painful! If diagnosed, one usually has Raynaud’s Phenomenon and if not controlled, it can be life threatening.
In 2000, I took up sewing thinking it will be therapeutic. Since then, I have taken a lot of art and sewing classes. I took Linda Visnaw’s Thread Sketches class (www.lindavisnaw.com) and adapted her Hawaiian Surprise designs, using my perspective, in my entry for the 2009 Veteran’s art festival competition.
Linda made sewing ergonomic suggestions like taping down a clean garbage bag to my work area. This allows fabric to move easily while performing free-motion embroidery and lessens hand fatigue. I used the four P’s: planning, prioritizing, problem-solving and pacing to accomplish this scheme
January 31, 2009, I applied Swaroski crystals all over it, flower by flower, step by step. It has taken a long time to finish, I have learned that the only limitation you have is within yourself.