I’m back! (Again …) Part 1 - health and sewing catch up

[@robynstock3516]

Great to see you again…you are a wonderful person letting us into your life I’m a retired nurse so good on you for saying it how it is ,you put a smile on my face with all your Karenisiums keep up the great sewing 😘….Robyn …..Australia ❤

[@karensewsslowly]

Aw thank you Robyn - I just think if someone else is going through a similar thing whether it's chemo or Verity related it can help if they hear me (or anyone) say that in the end it wasn't as bad as we thought? Thank you for watching 🥰xx

[@blathnaidegan3617]

Lovely to see you back, and so sorry your health has been rubbish, but I love your "just get on with it" attitude. So positive and refreshing. Really like your summery top. I think I might to something similar in a light fabric too. Looking forward to the rest of your bitesized vlogs and don't worry if you don't get loads of sewing done. I have great intentions in my mind, but I'm often not well enough to sew, so watch all the vlogs instead. Keep em coming ❤

[@karensewsslowly]

Exactly what I do when I feel poop and can't be bothered to sew - however I can only watch for so long as I start to get a little frustrated, like you say I think of all the things I could be making - have all the intention of doing it but then...... nothing! Life of a sewer really. Thanks for watching 🥰xx

[@foxeymoore]

So happy to see you back Karen! I would happily spend an hour listening to you because you are an inspiration. I look forward to hearing about your new machines,I have recently bought a new overlocker but I am still turning to my old faithful machine because I am used to it.😂I do like your Stella hoodie in that lovely fabric,it is so pretty and miss mouse is really cute. I am sorry to hear about your health issues and I do wish you all the very best and hope to see you regain your strength very soon, you are an amazing ,brave woman.🌹🌹🌹

[@karensewsslowly]

Aw thank you, machines vlog out today hopefully 🥰xx

[@joangilmore3598]

Welcome back Karen.☺️x.

[@ClaireD247]

So glad you are feeling back on track. Look forward to your next Vlogs 😊❤

[@dianerincon3196]

It so good to see you again. Take care!

[@greenquiltsgalore1326]

So nice to see you back! I hope your health continues to improve. I'm looking forward to hearing about your new machines!

[@karensewsslowly]

Shouldn't be too long to wait 🥰xx

[@suzettesingson1002]

So happy that you’re feeling better ❤

[@andrearyan816]

Sorry to hear you’ve had a rough spell. Hoping it has settled. I could listen all day. Looking forward to the next vlog. ❤

[@genevievemurray-smith2153]

Hi Karen. So glad to see you again. Sorry you had such a rough time with your health, but holding thumbs that things continue to improve. I appreciate your frankness about how the whole thing has affected you. Congrats on your new machines. I hope they bring you joy in your sewing endeavours. Look after yourself and hope to see you on YT soon 💕

[@karensewsslowly]

I may be back sooner than you think as I recorded parts 2 and 3 straightaway - it was only the editing that stopped me from putting them out with this vlog so hopefully will bet them up today. Take care lovely 🥰xx

[@TheFrenchSeams_vlog]

Karen! Lovely to see you back! Xxx

[@karensewsslowly]

Aw thank you Rachel 🥰xx

[@robynlaszlo6128]

So nice to see you again lovely makes thanks for your health updates keep going Karen sending many good thoughts ❤😊😊😊

[@karensewsslowly]

Aw bless, thank you 🥰xx

[@Sew-and-sew]

Good to see you back Karen 😊❤

[@karensewsslowly]

🥰xx

[@amandah4834]

Hi Karen sorry to hear you had been feeling rubbish but lovely to see you back and looking so well . Don’t worry about long videos because all I/we do is watch one after the other anyway lol 😂and no one is going to forget about you if you go missing for a while you are a true inspirational woman 💖Amanda xx

[@karensewsslowly]

Aw bless you Amanda 🥰😘😘

[@JanetteTaylor-q8x]

Lovely to see you Karen, great vlog as always, I’m pleased you are feeling better now, can’t wait to see your new machine ❤😊

[@karensewsslowly]

Vlog on its way today 🥰xx

[@suze7268]

So good to see you again Karen, I' m glad you're feeling better. i would gladly listen to you for an hour or more, but whatever suits you is fine. Can't wait to hear about your new machines & your fabric haul :) In the meantime, take good care of yourself & happy sewing! Big hugs, Suze xXx

[@karensewsslowly]

Aw thank you. Hopefully today (at some point) for the vlogs 🥰xx

[@mmgg9337]

Lovely to see you back Karen. Keep safe

[@jgsawka]

Lovely to see you again!! Great to hear that you're doing ok. I love your videos and would happily watch an hour long video lol!! I really love the prints on both the hoodie and the top! Can't wait to see your new fabric haul, and especially your new machines! How exciting!

[@karensewsslowly]

Aw thank you. Feeling grand today so have just uploaded part 3 and how I'm answering comments and then it's off to try and finish the Indigo - gritted teeth at the ready! Happy sewing 🥰xx

[@looloo4029]

So lovely to see you again Karen! I’m so sorry to hear that you have been through a rough patch health wise. It’s great that you’re improving now. I am looking forward to seeing and hearing about your new sewing machine and overlocker. The machine is a Pfaff, isn’t it? Take care of yourself. I’ll see you next time! ❤

[@karensewsslowly]

It is it's a Pfaff 710 and I think I am actually in love!! 😂🥰xx

[@looloo4029]

@@karensewsslowly I can’t wait to see it! I hope you give us a full tour of her capabilities. I’m particularly interested in hearing about the piercing power of a variety of brands and models as I seem to spend a lot of time repairing and modifying heavy duty cotton drill work clothes. Looking forward to your next video. ❤️❤️❤️

[@ElaineR66]

No we don’t forget who you are we just wonder how you are. I’d be happy with you and a talking vlog if you haven’t sewn! I’m so sorry you’ve not been well though and glad they got you back up and running. Looking forward to seeing what new sewing machine you’ve gone for, especially one with a built in walking foot as that’s what I’m hoping to buy next. Take good care, Karen ❤

[@karensewsslowly]

Hi Elaine, thank you. I hardly ever used my separate walking foot on my last machine as it was such a chore to attach it - the built in IDT is fab you just drop a lever (as it you were raising and lowering the foot). Thanks for watching 🥰xx

[@seashoresally9596]

Hi Karen. I'm a newbie to sewing. I enjoy listening to you very much. I hope your health improves as we enter Springtime. I love your hoodie the colours are gorgeous. All the best x

[@karensewsslowly]

Well a very warm welcome to the Karenites (a subscriber calls us that - that’s not me being precious! 🤣) I hope you are enjoying your sewing journey so far I’ve really only been sewing seriously for about 5 years and garment sewing for the last 1.5-2 years so we are more or less on this fun ride together! My health is an ongoing thing I’ve been having treatment off and on since my youngest was two and he is 20 in April so sometimes I’m a bit matter of fact about it but it’s just part of my life like sewing only not so fun! 😂 thank you for watching I hope you have a lovely week and get a chance to sew lots too. Take care lovely 🥰 xx

[@misspnaylor]

It’s so lovely to see you. I hope you continue to feel better. Take good care of yourself. 🤗❤

[@sweeky6855]

Yay!!! She is back ♥

[@karensewsslowly]

😜🥰xx

[@letitiathomson914]

Hi Karen, great to see you again, I’ve missed you. Thanks for sharing, hoping your next chemo goes well. 🧵🪡🇦🇺

[@karensewsslowly]

Aw bless thank you 🥰xx

[@clairec20]

Lovely to see you back Karen and another great vlog and looking forward to the next( I would have quite happily sat through a long one.)

[@karensewsslowly]

Aw thank you Claire, and thank you for spending your precious time watching little ol' me! 😂🥰xx

[@patgriffiths4772]

Oh dear Karen, you have been through the wars. It’s good to see you back. Looking forward to seeing your mouse. Xx

[@karensewsslowly]

She desperately needs a face! may be tomorrow when the men are at the match??? Thanks Pat take care 🥰xx

[@lovdolls]

Well here you are so good to see you and you look beautiful by the way. I love that eye shadow on you with your hair and sweater (jumper). You sure have had a go at not feeling up to sorts. I do hope you do better really soon. The only thing I have sewed lately is little light blocking curtains for my grandsons plant frame. I know it doesn't make sense unless you can see it. They worked out well for him and he attached them with 2 sided tape I sent. He is in OR. and I'm in Alaska.

[@karensewsslowly]

WOW that sounds technical! Is OR Oregon? excuse my total lack of geography - I'm just as bad with UK places as well!! 🥰xx

[@cephid1]

Glad you health is improving. I just had the exact mug given to me by my cousin for my Birthday last Sunday

[@karensewsslowly]

It's so bonny isn't it? Happy Birthday for last Sunday too! Thank you for watching take care 🥰xx

[@julieagar4483]

Hi Karen, lovely to see you. Sorry you have been feeling so unwell. Hope all goes well with your next lot of Chemo. Love your hoodie. Look forward to seeing the vlog about the new machines. Take care love Julie Tasmania Australia ❤❤

[@karensewsslowly]

Aw thank you Julie 🥰xx

[@karenegan2640]

Lovely to see you xx

[@chrissy8883]

Glad you’re back!! I love listening to you! ❤️❤️❤️

[@dianapower-qo8gy]

So good to see you back and looking so good despite what you are going through, just love your sense of humour I chuckle to myself, can't wait to see your new machines I have just purchased a new over locker waiting on delivery so we both will be playing with our new toys and learning and even swearing 😂 but loving them take care, oh and yes I would sit and watch you for a hour 😊 regards Diana from NZ 🎉❤

[@karensewsslowly]

Aw bless you for that Diane I've just uploaded a very brief 'new machines vlog' but will do another one in the future when I know what I'm doing and am more confident with them. Take care lovely 🥰xx

[@margaretwilson6427]

Nice to see you back. Sorry you've had such a rough time

[@SewMyTime]

Was thinking about you yesterday and this morning you popped up. Brilliant. So very sorry or have been unwell with your chemo but glad you are feeling a bit better. Good that you still have your sewjo and really like the hoodie. I love the green and purple BTPD fabric. I got the pink and have just finished a dress which I love - just need somewhere to wear it now 😂😂. Looking forward to rest of your vlogs. 😊 . Lynne

[@karensewsslowly]

Psychic ? I think I would have preferred the pink - I think Ruan got that colourway too. I am determined this year to make clothes I will actually wear/need or garments that I can pair with other items to make up outfits. take care lovely 🥰xx

[@juliesneap3809]

Nice to see you back Karen x

[@evelynspanner2963]

Keep well x

[@evelynwatt8029]

Hi Karen it’s always lovely to see you whenever you feel up to blogging It’s been another rough time for you and good to hear you have gotten through it Love your Sweatshirt with the hood and all your sewing plans Looking forward to hearing about your new machine Take care my friend and know I am always thinking of you ❤

[@karensewsslowly]

And I you Evelyn, it's kind of you to think of me but I think what you are going through is a lot worse - at least I no feeling rubbish will end after a few days. Take care of yourself my lovely friend 🥰xx

[@evelynwatt8029]

@@karensewsslowly Thanks Karen I’m doing better than I expected The Drs said I’m 2 mths ahead Started Physio yesterday and they have me weight bearing with my Hopper so getting there slowly Hope to be walking in the next month with my Moon Boot on 👌❤️🌹

[@karensewsslowly]

@@evelynwatt8029 You'll rock in the moon boot! Well done you for proving the docs wrong 🥰💕xx

[@howardpennpenn]

Great to see you!😃 Hope your health stops interfering with your sewing!🤨 😂 x

[@karensewsslowly]

I know - flippin' cheek of it, does it not realise I have vlogs to do and garments to make??? 😂🥰xx

[@linvin18]

Lovely to see you karen, I've never made an indigo 😅 xx

[@karensewsslowly]

Up until now me neither but I feel I'm always the last to cave and buy the pattern by which time the sewing community has usually moved onto the next big thing - that's me donkey's tail. 😂🥰xx

[@mecraftytoo]

Lovely to see you Karen, sorry to hear you’ve has a rough time, when you aren’t in the right frame of mind for sewing I find everything does go wrong, but you seemed to at least make the effort, good on you. Hope you had a better time with the reduced dose of chemo , big hugs x

[@karensewsslowly]

Aw thank you - Yes I have felt remarkably better this cycle and at least now I know what signs to look for and the Unit will be keeping a closer eye on me too. Take care lovely 🥰xx

[@gailturner8276]

Lovely to see you back karen,so pleased your feeling better 😊 take care lovely lady xxx❤

[@karensewsslowly]

Thank you Gail 🥰xx

[@nanmiddleton3010]

Lovely to see you back, so sorry you've been so poorly. Looking forward to hearing about your new sewing and overlocker machines. Take care and keep the vlogs coming, they always bring chuckles and smiles 😊

[@karensewsslowly]

Aw thank you 🥰xx

[@adriannefields8302]

Glad you’re back and feeling a bit better.having been through Chemo myself, you definitely have to pick and choose when you’re able to do things. Best of luck!

[@karensewsslowly]

Aw bless you too Adrianne I agree it pays to do everything you can and a bit more on 'feeling normal' days so that when I'm slumped in front of day time tv at least I know jobs were done a few days ago etc. Take care 🥰xx

[@truthseeker6178]

Glad to see you back. xx Have you heard of Joe Tippens?. His story is on you tube if you put his name in the search box. Might be worth trying alongside the chemo. God bless you xx

[@karensewsslowly]

OOooh no I haven't heard of Joe - will check him out, thank you. 🥰xx

[@annesullivan1171]

I'm so sorry you had to go through that rubbish. I'll be thinking of you. You are really brave Karen ❤❤❤

[@karensewsslowly]

Aw thank you so much Anne, I'm not really that brave it would be a different matter if chemo was administered by a dentist - flippin' terrified of them lot 😂🥰xx

[@annesullivan1171]

@@karensewsslowly xx

[@marionmathews9852]

I’ve made around 7 or 8 Indigo’s, some as dresses and some shorter as long tops. I love this pattern. I can’t wait to see yours and I really hope that you love it when it’s finished. Sorry to hear that you’ve had a few bad weeks…..not nice!

[@karensewsslowly]

Hi Marion, well I've just had the most frustrating afternoon - if I make another indigo it will not have a frill or a flounce and why on earth THREE rows of gathering stitches??? I'm not giving up yet but the teeth are gritted 😂🥰xx

[@marionmathews9852]

I’m so sorry to hear that Karen. I only ever do 2 rows of gathering stitches, because, like you, why the need for 3? I’ve done a few with flounced sleeves, but I think that I actually prefer just a straight short sleeve. I hope it works out for you.

[@jeanwhiley6571]

Hi Karen, so lovely to see you again, sorry you’ve not been feeling well but glad you’re on the mend, you have been missed. Looking forward to seeing your top finished, I have the pattern and was thinking of trying to make it into a dress. Happy sewing

[@karensewsslowly]

Hi Jean, and thank you for watching I'm gritting my teeth with the Indigo at the moment so get ready for some fireworks when I vlog the final finished top 😂🥰xx

[@joannefletcher7085]

Made the indigo plenty of times but just bias bind the neckline.

[@karensewsslowly]

Hi Joanne I have been watching Vivmomsews on YT and this is her preferred method of doing necklines and armholes - she makes it look so easy so I have invested in 'quite a bit' of bias tape to give it a go, we will see how it goes.... 😏🥰xx

[@janetwilkinson7080]

Lovely to see you back Karen ….glad to hear your feeling better ….haven’t done much sewing myself lately..this new puppy is keeping me busy 😅 …look forward to part 2 and 3 … x

[@karensewsslowly]

I've seen the photos on Insta, what is the pup called - absolutely adorable🥰xx

[@janetwilkinson7080]

She’s called Holly…. Born in December…xx

[@joancowley6501]

Lovely to see you back Karen, glad you’re feeling a little better - don’t know about anyone else but I’d happily listen to you chat away for an hour! I’ll be really interested to see your new machines, I don’t have an overlocker and would really like one, just been on the David Drummond website and the range is mind boggling, how do you decide?! 🤯 Anyway, look forward to the next vlog, take care 😊 xx

[@karensewsslowly]

My advice would be (if you can) go to a sewing machine shop and speak to someone direct face to face - then if possible they can demonstrate the machine - The price decided for me as although not the cheapest I think its possibly the most reasonable of the Air thread models? 🥰xx

[@joancowley6501]

@@karensewsslowly Definitely, fortunately I’m only an hour or so south of Edinburgh so will plan a visit…budget will most certainly be a deciding factor! 😆 xx

[@carolewilliams3572]

Lovely to see you, have to say, some of the health issues I have had too. I had the lung thing, turned out to be pneumonia, and also had a dvt in leg, so you have my sympathy on that too, but am sure that you will get through all this, you seem like a very strong person. Looking forward to your next blog. Take care

[@karensewsslowly]

Aw bless you Carole I have to say since doing the injections Verity is looking less ugly than she did - may even wear skirts this summer 😆🥰xx

[@rtblade4]

Happy to see you again! Glad you’re feeling better 😊 Tristen

[@karensewsslowly]

Aw thank you, take care 🥰xx

[@robyn3349]

🙏

[@MargaretmBurton]

Hi Karen it's nice to see you back love the colours of your hoodie can't wait to see the mouse finished xx

[@karensewsslowly]

I can't wait till she has a face! hahaha 🥰xx

[@caronlever2019]

So sorry you have not been in good health you have beenissed ❤

[@karensewsslowly]

Aw thank you 🥰xx

[@Brenda_S]

I don’t forget about you when you haven’t posted in a while, I worry about you and hope everything is okay. I’m glad you’re getting the medical problems sorted. We must exist on the same wavelength…I just finished the three cats from Studio Seren but they don’t have a stitch of clothing yet. Eventually, eventually. Unrelated but how my brain works..Style Arc has a top pattern called Verity 😂.

[@karensewsslowly]

😂😂I'll check it out! Three cats blimey - do they have faces yet though? I keep putting the mouse's face off as I am frightened that's where it will all go wrong and she may end up quite scary looking!!? Take care Brenda 🥰xx

[@Brenda_S]

Yes, faces are finished. Like everything they took me longer than expected because I put them off too. The front instruction pages talk about the techniques. I don’t think any of the mouths turned out completely straight but I’m calling them design features 😉. The loop start technique for backstitching to outline the eyes was confusing for me but if you look up a loop start (on the top) for cross stitch, it’s the same thing. Did you see she has new patterns? Maybe I will try those next year. Maybe 😂

[@sweeky6855]

For 2 days I struggled making a pair of stretch trousers for a baby. For 2 days I did everything, re threaded my overlocker 4/5 times actually, tested on material etc. Then it dawned on me that I had to change my overlocker needles to a stretch needle! I did actually scream again in frustration and relief that I had sorted it and could finally finish the tiny baby trousers that I had, like you stuffed in a zip lock back with the air turning blue and feeling a failure. Why does something so simple or so it I thought become something so very frustrating! I have now learned to change the needles appropriately to the fabric on my overlocker!

[@karensewsslowly]

You are so right the number of times I have looked at a pattern and thought 'that can't be too difficult' only to be pulling my hair out a few hours later! Mind you I have seen experienced sewists on YT saying the same thing so we are not alone. Take care lovely 🥰xx

[@lindajones9624]

❤xx

[@margewyatt1743]

Where’s the beauty spot on the mouse gone?

[@karensewsslowly]

I dabbed it with a little bit of water on a cotton bud and it has faded a bit - it is still there just not as noticeable thankfully. 🥰xx

[@Bernietheoc]

👏🏻👗

[@looloo4029]

So lovely to see you again Karen! I’m so sorry to hear that you have been through a rough patch health wise. It’s great that you’re improving now. I am looking forward to seeing and hearing about your new sewing machine and overlocker. The machine is a Pfaff, isn’t it? Take care of yourself. I’ll see you next time! ❤