How cute is this Spooky and Sweet Halloween project? Fat Quarter Shop offers it as a free pattern and also has YouTube tutorials on how to make it. I did make some modifications to their pattern. Mainly, I added rounded off eyes and rosy cheeks, and used a couple of blocks from the panel that comes with the Hey Boo fabric collection for their "pumpkins". I also rounded off their heads for what I think is a cuter look. Oh, and added those vampire fangs! I didn't come up with these ideas myself, I saw them on @luv2quilt4u Instagram account and just figured out what she did to get this look.
I am thinking of using my project as the center medallion in the Halloween Memories/Moonlight quilt.
I'm not 100% sure if I can make it work because it is a weird size. I've ordered more of the pale pink background fabric to border the medallion and I will play with it to see if it will work. If it doesn't work as a center medallion, I will just use it as a Halloween wall hanging.
In other disappointing news, after a couple of days of medical testing, I have been diagnosed with macular degeneration. This condition runs in families, and my father also had it towards the end of his life. Right now it is just in my left eye, but there are signs of it potentially being an issue in the right as well at some point. This came on quite suddenly for me. At the beginning of August I noticed my vision was rather blurry. It quickly progressed over a couple of weeks, until the vision in my left eye was significantly affected.
Fortunately, I have the type of AMD that is treatable. I got my first injection last Friday. My retina specialist was hopeful that the progress of the disease can be slowed and that I may even experience some improvement in my sight. For now, that hasn't happened, but I am optimistic.
I can still read and sew, but it is a challenge at the moment!
The doctor urged me to share with family and friends that if one notices any change in their vision (blurriness, distortion, dulling of colors) to see an ophthalmologist immediately. He also recommends a macular vitamin supplement called Areds 2 which is available over the counter.
I am still adjusting to the news, but am determined to carry on as I have been.