Six inches

When I was pregnant with Beatle, I took a few sewing classes and really enjoyed myself.  We were fortunate enough to be able to get a good machine and later, a serger.  I was making diapers at first because buying good nighttime dipes was not cheap.  It was cloth diapers, also, that got me into knitting.  I do love a woolie soaker, but man, they are pricey!

I sewed a few maternity dresses and some pajama pants and a skirt.  It's tough to find nice fabrics, but I managed.  After the ICD implant, though, my machines sat idle on the table in the basement.

When they sent me home with this thing in my chest, they gave me a little manual--kind of like the ones you get with a carseat.  It's got a list of things you should avoid at all costs, and then things you can come within 2 feet, or 1 foot, or 6 inches.  No convection cooktops.  No arc welding.  No climbing cell-phone towers.  No MRIs, and no security wands.

I'm supposed to keep any ultrasound devices no closer than 6 inches, and this caused me tremendous grief and anxiety when my doctor scheduled an echocardiogram.  The traducer is essentially on top of the device the entire exam.  Nothing happened, so I figure that recommendation is for caution only.

I'm getting there!  I promise!

I'm also not supposed to operate a sewing machine or serger within six inches.  When I first got this thing, my MO was to avoid any shocks at all cost.  Why risk it?  I mean, it's one thing to risk stubbing my toe or burning my finger.  But a giant shock to my heart?  No thanks.  So I didn't sew.  No risk.

With many prayers and the grace of our Lord's presence, I've been able to resume some activities I enjoy.  Sewing is now at the top of the list.  Beatle's birthday is in a few weeks, and she's been after her brother's superman cape.  Simple enough to make one for her, I thought, and after I made a quick trip to Joann's, my machines are up and running.  I think I can finish the cape today (except for some kind of embellishment).

I have a more ambitious project in mind, too.  I'll have to do a little more planning, but it should be simple to pull off.  We'll see--it's been a while since I sewed, and I'm more than a little rusty.  For today, I'm just happy to be going again.