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Sunday, August 02, 2015

An Emergency and Some Fabric

So this is a long involved story...you may want to settle in with your favorite beverage. I will wait a minute for you to go get one if you don't have one already. Snacks...do you need some cause believe me this is a tale and you want to be well nourished for it! Okay all settled...

...so it starts like this...

On Wednesday, July 22nd,  I wake up to my cellphone beeping which was unusual because I was in the middle of the Caribbean on a Royal Caribbean cruise liner. I got several text messages from my middle daughter that her older sister was in the ER. Each message got progressively worse until the final one that said she was in liver failure in the ICU and she was being transported to another hospital that specializes in liver transplants in Houston (she's been living there for the last 9 months).

The Ship on Fire ~
I went down to Guest Services and talked to a crew member about how to get off the ship and fly to Houston. While there the fire alarms start going off...yes, I was on the Royal Caribbean cruise ship that was on fire while coming into port at Jamaica. You can read all about it here and here.



photo courtesy:  jamaicaobserver.com

Now I never saw the plumes of smoke from the ship because I was one of those people standing outside on the deck - I'm not actually in the picture of my fellow cruisers below. Then I was ensconced in the skating rink, freezing while waiting for them to put the fire out and find missing passengers.


photo credit: foxnews.com

As a public service announcement, if you are ever on a cruise ship and an emergency is called, please for the sake of your fellow passengers report to your station. Do not hide in your cabin. Do not go where you're not suppose to because the crew announces your name over the intercom and your fellow passengers know you're the reason they are still waiting to continue their high priced vacation. It was getting ugly people!

Finally we are allowed to return to our cabins and I head back to Guest Services to get off the ship. Another aside, the crew on the ship was just awesome! They helped me get a flight and a car service to the airport and walked me through customs in Jamaica. 

That was the easy part because of course there was no direct flight to Houston from Jamaica. So Jamaica to Miami and wait and wait and wait and 4 hrs later still waiting (I HATE YOU AMERICAN AIRLINES!) 5 hours later I finally board a flight to Houston. I was suppose to be at the hospital by 10:30pm, Wednesday evening. I actually walked into ICU at 2:05am Thursday morning.

I'm just glad that my daughter didn't get worse or die while I was sitting there because the gate attendant just so didn't care about my predicament.  Let me say again I HATE YOU AMERICAN AIRLINES!

An Update on my Daughter ~
My daughter is recovering and doing much better and has been released from the hospital...although it was touch and go there for a day or two...she ended up spending 5 days in the ICU and 6 days on a medical floor and did not need a liver transplant. 

However, once she starting doing better, my daughter and my best friend who recently moved to Houston, decided I needed to leave the hospital. My friend took me to Hancock Fabrics to fabric shop. 

Yes, we've gotten to the fabric portion of the post ~

I haven't been to a real suburban chain fabric store in a long time - like years! So the entire experience was like deja vu to me. I knew how to act...what to look for...but it seemed a little surreal! *LOL*

A few interior shots ~



I was a little too excited to take a lot of pictures...I was too busy shopping. I did know enough to go online and get the coupons for the current sale.  So I bought Vogue Patterns - 2 for $10 and McCalls Patterns for $1.99 each. I tried to find the new Butterick Patterns but they weren't in stock yet. I've bought all of my patterns from Club BMV since the inception of the club. Again a light bulb went off cause I now understand why my fellow sewists have so many patterns! Those prices are AMAZING!


This is the fabric I bought ~



When I saw this "Frozen" fabric I knew Miss Lena needed a new summer dress so a piece of this came home with me.  The other two pieces are cottons (and after experiencing a few days of temps in the 100's and higher, I understand why y'all wear cotton fabrics all the time! Geeze it's hot in Houston!) Because I lived in maxi dresses on this trip, I was on the hunt for knit fabric to make more. 

So these knits were purchased too...


Two days later after my daughter's nurse raved about High Fashion Fabrics, my friend took me there too.


I honestly was a little disappointed with this shop probably because it caters to a clientele that needs evening, wedding and prom apparel. 


I did like the signage and the place is huge. I just wasn't that impressed with the fabric selection. However, if this is what's available to you, it is an amazing assortment all in one place, although the price points are a little high.





There was only one piece that excited me enough to purchase...this printed cotton guipure lace.


Conclusion ~
So this is why it's been sooooooo quiet here and on my Instagram account. When I walked into my bedroom this afternoon, all I could do was sigh with delight & relief. It has been a very traumatizing two weeks. I'm so thrilled that my daughter is doing better and she will be home next week after some folllow-ups with the doctors.

Also I just want to say that the Doctors and nurses of The Methodist Hospital were the most amazing health care professionals I've ever dealt with. The ICU staff let me stay as long as I wanted and took great care of not only my daughter but me too. I truly believe that those Doctors saved my daughter's life and why she was able to check out of the hospital with a wonderful prognosis for recovery.

The maxi's that I finished prior to leaving will be photographed next weekend and up on the blog then. I know that this has been one extra long post but I just did not have the wherewithal to make it two separate posts. I hope you made it all the way to the end!

...as always more later!


210 comments:

  1. So glad your daughter is recovering. What a frightening experience!

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  2. I am so thankful that your daughter is doing well. I have been concerned about you and your family. I'm glad the fire on your cruise was minor.

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    1. Me too especially since the fire was the least exciting part of the day!

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  3. So glad your daughter is doing well and the fire was minimal. Welcome home.

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  4. So glad your daughter is recovering!

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  5. I'm happy to hear that your daughter is doing better. I will keep her in my thoughts and prayers for continued recovery. I look forward to seeing your dresses. I truly missed your posts the past two weeks.

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  6. I'm so relieved that your daughter will be ok. You must have been frantic and worried trying to get off the ship and then flying to Houston. You deserve the new fabric and pattern goodies. Hope the next few weeks/months will be more relaxing and full of sewing.

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    1. wenhkc - I'm hoping for some quiet restful months too! Thanks for your well wishes!

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  7. I am so glad that your daughter is recovering and you have lovely fabric to stroke while you recover emotionally.

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  8. What an experience. I'm glad to hear your daughter is recovering. That cotton lace is amazing!

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    1. SewingLibrarian - the piece is just awesome and I've totally changed my mind about what to make with it now that I've gotten it home!

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  9. Sorry you and your daughter went through such a tough time. I am glad she is doing better. Prayers and continued healing for her.

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  10. Oh my goodness! Sorry to read all that you've been through with your daughter in the hospital, trying to get off the cruise ship and dealing with the airline. I'm happy for you and your family that your daughter received wonderful care at the hospital and is on the mend.
    And that cotton guipure lace is gorgeous, can't wait to see what you made out of it.

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  11. Whoa! I did need the snacks! Bless you and keep her close!

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  12. Sorry you about daughter and what she was going through, but thank God for doctors/nurses N the care given her. You were missed; wondering where n the world is she. :)

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    1. The Drs & Nurses were amazing and thank you for missing me!

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  13. I'm so glad your daughter is doing better! I can't imagine how you must have felt getting that kind of news while in the middle of the Caribbean Ocean. It just gives me shivers. And then to have the ship actually catch on fire... If I saw this in a film or read it in a novel I would roll my eyes and wonder if the director/author was just being lazy with such far-fetched plot points. I guess truth really is, as they say, stranger than fiction.

    I know it is the least of your concerns right now, but I'm sorry you missed most of your long-awaited vacation. I hope you can have a do-over, but with a much better outcome!

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    1. It's funny but I totally forgot about the vacation and missing it...I had some time off between jobs and I was only working 4 days a week for June & July so this year hasn't felt like I was ALWAYS working like in years past.

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  14. Wow! What a story! And a small world... 2 months ago my husband was working on the liver floor at Methodist as a student nurse. He loooved the liver floor and had amazing things to say about those nurses. I'm so glad all went well with your daughter. And tomorrow I'm on my way to High Fashion with my mom :-)

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    1. Annie - the professional staff at The Methodist Hospital was amazing! I can understand why your husband enjoyed his time there.

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  15. I am so glad to hear your daughter is doing wonderful Carolyn and made a full recovery, that is such a blessing!

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  16. There was a lot going on all at once for you. It's great to hear that your daughter is better. Sorry to hear that that particular airline's service was not good. Yup, those pattern sales can pull you in. The chain stores usually quickly run out of certain new patterns.

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    1. Thank you RatRace! Just never flying American Airlines again if I can avoid it!

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  17. Glad to hear your daughter is doing better. Nothing like a trip to the fabric store to help relieve stress.

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    1. Sewing Shay - after five minutes in the fabric store I was calm and everything was right in the world! *LOL*

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  18. My goodness, what an awful experience for you. I was so anxious, even reading it! So pleased your daughter is going well, and I hope she continues to make excellent progress. Great haul of patterns and fabrics - I wish we had such bountiful stores here in Brisbane. The floral guipure is absolutely gorgeous - I would buy that in a hearbeat!

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    1. Patricia - the floral guipure is gorgeous and if you can get your hands on some I would say buy it!

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  19. Wow what a post! So glad your daughter is recovering. I love the guipure lace BTW :-) take care.

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    1. Sewmanju - I just kept saying all day, "What a Day!" it was the only thing I could say to keep it together!

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  20. So glad your daughter is recovering. What a traumatic time for you. Best wishes from Melbourne Australia. Victoria

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  21. I've been wondering what you have been up to lately since it's been so quiet on your blog but I had no idea it would be so drama filled. So glad your daughter is ok, and I hope you don't have to go through that again

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    1. Hey Kristy - me too! But no matter how old your children get there still seems to be some drama associated with them!

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  22. You've been missed. So glad your daughter is recovering. Keep us updated on her. May your August be drama free & full of sewing!

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    1. Bonnie - thanks for missing me. I'm hoping for a drama free August too!

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  23. Oh wow, that God your daughter is ok. What a scare!

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  24. What horrible weeks you've been through. Happy your daughter is recovering, can imagine it being so very scaring.

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  25. What a traumatic time you and your daughter have been through. Pleased to hear that she is recovering well.

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  26. Glad to hear that your daughter is doing well. What a stressful time you had of it

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  27. What a story! I'm glad your daughter is getting better. I hope you find the time to sew up those new pieces too. Take care :)

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    1. Christy - thanks, however, now all I have to do is get my sewing mojo back. It seems to have gone missing!

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  28. I'm so glad your daughter is doing well. That's not the sort of situation you want to hear about someone you love - ever. All the best to you all.

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  29. I am extremely glad your daughter is recovering well. I hope you complain to American Airlines (they're based here in DFW, and my neighbor (who works for them) says you really should file a complaint form against the unsympathetic and apathetic customer service you received. A fire on a cruise ship is always so dangerous, and that combined with your daughter being in the hospital, must have been too stressful for mere words. I am glad you made it through all of it.

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  30. I'm glad to hear your daughter is recovering and you've were missed. Glad to see that everything have com down for you.

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    1. Diane - yes everything is calmer now and I'm grateful that things turned out as well as they did.

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  31. OMG, I'm so glad that your daughter is OK now! What a stressful and terrifying week- I'm so glad you made it home safely in the end!

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    1. Wendy - terrifying week and a half! So happy everything worked out well!

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  32. So glad that everything turned out well, Carolyn!

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  33. My heavens!! I am glad then ending was on a better note. Get better wishes to your daughter and do take care of your own self.

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  34. Wow! What a crisis... glad it all worked out and your daughter is doing so much better. So sorry it all happened while you were on your cruise. Your fabric choices are amazing as always - it helps to see what you would pick out in a "regular" fabric store like Hancock's!

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    1. Patricia - thank you! Though I have to admit that I didn't realize that so many people would be able to purchase the same fabrics that I did. I'm use to that with online purchases just forgot that the chain probably stocks the same most everywhere.

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  35. Awww dear.. fabric shopping does make it better and I am glad your daughter is getting better. Dont worry about us we will follow you regardless! I will be up next week I will give a shout out :-)

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  36. You know here's the thing about Houston - there's more money there, there's more commerce there, there's more heavy-hitters there, but it's under-retailed. Dallas on the other hand is over-retailed, and they have a killer shop there (Fabrique Fabrics on NW corner of Coit & Pres Bush Highway). I'm sort of disappointed in High Fashion fabrics too. It doesn't make sense cause you'd think there would be a better market in Houston, but there isn't.

    The good news is that Texas (and Oklahoma) have excellent Hancock's and Joann's stores, which I am thrilled about.

    Glad 1. You didn't burn up, 2. Have to get on a rescue dinghy, 3.And most of all that your daughter is doing much better, but 4. Sorry you had to experience Houston in the middle of the summer where the temp is only exceeded by the humidity!!!!

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    1. Claire - love your whole first paragraph! I was practically jumping up and down in the car while waiting to get to High Fashion Fabrics and was so let down after one twirl around the store. Hancock's on the other hand made me so happy especially after over $70 came off my bill because of the coupons!

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  37. So thankful to see that everyone is doing well

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  38. What a crazy experience! I'm so glad everything is looking up!!!

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    1. sew rachel - you're right it was a little crazy but it did end well!

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  39. Wow - so sorry this happened. I thought MY last two weeks was a perfect storm - but you beat that hands down! So glad to hear your daughter is much better. High Fashion Fabrics is a great place, but yes you do have to sort through to way too expensive stuff. I did find some great rayons and knits in that back room, if you ever go back there. It's supposed to be quilting cottons, but they have more garment fabrics in there that are reasonably priced and more casual.

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    1. Yes, you're right the back room did have knits but compared to what you could pay for them on the Internet, they were unappealing. Now the evening fabrics were just amazing! But who really needs a lot of that in their lives!

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  40. Oh my Carolyn! All I can say is Thank God and WOW (the wow was repeated about 20 times). Xoxo

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    1. Thanks Tiffani! Wow - is a great description of the entire thing!

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  41. So glad to hear your daughter is ok! I know the fear of that phone call...but at least I was within driving distance! And what a way to end your lovely cruise. Hopefully the rest of your summer will be uneventful.

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    1. bdejong - it was my fear when she left because I've gotten that call when she lived in Philly and when she was in school in NC. They were all easier to get to...I'm hoping that the rest of my summer is uneventful too!

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  42. I'm stunned about all you and your daughter went through, and thankful that you both are alive to enjoy many more days. The fabric store was a genius call on your friend's and other daughter's part. There's definitely something healing about a trip to a fabric store during times of acute stress. Blood pressure drops as you revive yourself in the peace, calm, and diversion of color, weave, texture, pattern and feel of fabrics. I've found that you notice a lot more about them and are attracted to ones you might not notice otherwise because of the "hyper attention" state a person gets into during a medical emergency. It gives a blessed emotional release.

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    1. Unknown - I can testify that what you described is true. It was the calmest I felt during the 11 days - even after she was discharged!

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  43. First, much praise that your daughter is recovering well! Second, a couple years back I was sitting on a cruise ship in St. Thomas when the fire alarm went off. What an experience! To have both things happening at once...all I can say is WOW! Strong woman you are! Lastly, yay to some fabric finds. May your last quarter of 2015 be blissfully uneventful.

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    1. Thanks Alicia! I'm hoping for a peaceful fall & winter too!

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  44. I am glad to hear about your daughter awesome prognosis and kudos to the fantastic medical staff at the hospital. Hopefully, the rest of your summer will be uneventful.

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    1. Alethia - the medical staff was just amazing! I would do a television commercial for them that's how awesome they were!

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  45. Very glad to hear that everything turned out fine.

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  46. Carolyn, I am so glad that your daughter is doing better. I live in Houston, and I agree I am not impressed with High Fashion Fabrics either. I am going through a challenging time in my life right now, and sewing is my therapy. God Bless you and your family.

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    1. Patricia - I didn't realize that you lived in Houston! And I really hated to write that I wasn't that impressed with High Fashion Fabrics cause I so wanted to be! Thanks for the good wishes.

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  47. OMG, you'll always remember THAT cruise! So glad to hear that your daughter's recovering well . . . and I HATE domestic airlines, too!!

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  48. Praise the Lord that your daughter is okay and so are you. What a couple of weeks!

    I was getting a bit worried about your lack-of-posting ... yikes.

    So glad it's all worked out.

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    1. Hearth - thanks! As you can see the posting is still light here. I need to sew and I've been way too tired lately!

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  49. Wow, what an adrenaline rush! I am so relieved to hear that everything has turned out well, but I can only imagine your feelings during the middle of it all. And it is true, climate makes a big difference in what you choose to wear. May the rest of your year be full of peace!

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    1. Angela - the cotton section of Hancocks was HUGE! Now I totally get why - it was 102 one day I was there with a heat index making it 112. I would live in cottons too!

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  50. Carolyn, what a couple of weeks you've had! It's so good to hear that your daughter is recovering. I hope you get a chance to relax a little now that you're home. Sending good wishes to you!

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  51. Hi Carolyn, so happy to hear your daughter is recovering. What news to receive when at sea! Wow, and I hope you have recovered from your vacation :) take care of yourself. on a different note - I was on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship years ago that had a fire also. A substantial one - it was around 10pm so dark outside, we were at sea, we had to go to our assigned stations and wait for what seemed like hours on the decks while they fought the fire. By 2 am it was over and they opened the midnight buffet a bit late - it seemed like the entire ship was there in a celebratory mood. a very strange evening. but memorable.

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    1. The ships crew was amazing! At no point did you feel that they were panicking and they did everything they could to keep us comfortable...providing water and heated blankets...allowing people to go to the bathroom or just stand around instead of sitting in their seats and opening a buffet as soon as they could to feed everyone. I would sail Royal Caribbean again any time!

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  52. I cannot imagine the anxiety, frustration and sheer terror you must have been going through trying to make your way to your daughter. And shame on American Airlines. Even if there were truly nothing they could do to speed you on your way, their employees should have been more accommodating and compassionate. Whenever I fly I prefer to remain in my own little bubble, but on more than one occasion I've reached out to someone so obviously in pain or panic, just wishing to pass on a moment of serenity from a complete stranger. I hope some fellow traveler did that for you. And thankfully, your daughter is on the mend!

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  53. What a blessing that everything worked out and your daughter is on the mend. Glad to hear this. Enjoy your fabric and take some 'me time' to recover.

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  54. Whew! What a "vacation"! The anxiety of being stuck so far away when your daughter's very life was so uncertain. So glad to hear she is on the mend. That beautiful flower printed guipure may well end being a memento of a wonderful turn-around

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    1. Thanks Elle - yes the fabric did bring me much joy in a bad situation!

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  55. Carolyn, what a harrowing couple of weeks you've had. I'm glad that your daughter is doing well and that you were able to safely make it off the ship to be with her. My stepmom had a liver transplant almost 2 years ago, so I know how scary liver failure/problems can be. Hope you are able to rest and recover and spend some quality time in the sewing cave.

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    1. Marrie - it's really interesting because my Dad had a liver transplant about 10 years before he passed. Transplanted organs really make a different in the recipient's life!

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  56. YIkes....Carolyn!!! I've been looking for a post from you and have missed you. I am SOOOO very glad your daughter is doing well. Will keep her and you in my prayers. Spending time in ICU is not fun but the medical staff can make all the difference in that experience.

    I hope you have a chance to get a real vacation soon as I don't think this one counts :)

    I LOVE reading your blog. You have inspired me to expand my sewing skills. THANK YOU!

    Take care and best wishes for a speedy recovery to your daughter.

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    1. Teresa - thanks for your good wishes! I'm glad that you enjoy my blog and I'm just hoping for a quiet rest of the year!

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  57. So, so glad your daughter is doing well again. Wishing her a smooth recovery! And glad you got off that ship safely, yikes.

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    1. Thanks makingtheflame but getting off the ship was the easy part of the trip believe it or not!

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  58. What an ordeal! I'm so glad she's OK!

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  59. I'm so glad to hear that your daughter is doing better. I can't imagine what that must have been like for you.

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  60. That's insanely stressful on all accounts. How wonderful that your daughter is going to recover soon.

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    1. Kristin - she's doing so much better! I made her send me a picture the other day so that I can see her face and her progress is amazing!

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  61. I am so sorry to hear about all that trauma and so glad your daughter is on the mend.

    The fabric shops are huge. I don't think we have anything like that in the UK - these are warehouses!! I love that colourful lace.

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    1. Well you know the USA we do things big and I WAS in Texas - the king of the doing things big! I'm coming to appreciate how much fabric is actually here. Thanks for the well wishes.

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  62. That was such a scary experience for all of you. I am so happy your daughter is okay and home, take care of everyone.

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  63. Glad everything is OK with your daughter and family and that you got to have some retail therapy so sooth the soul!

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  64. So very glad to hear your daughter is recovering and has a good prognosis. How very scary for her and you - especially so far from her. It disappoints me about American Airlines though. I've flown exclusively with them for almost 20 years - I guess I'm lucky to have never had to have them help in an emergency. Shame on them! Looks like you were able to get some nice fabric while there in Houston - and yes it is HOT down here in the south!

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    1. Carol - I know other people who swear by American too. They just sucked for me on that particular day. Though I flew JetBlue home! *LOL*

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  65. Thank the Lord your daughter is better. I pray for a complete and speedy recovery.

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  66. Praise be to God that your daughter is recovering, and that you were not injured by the ships fire.

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    1. Thanks Denise - God definitely had His hand on the situation!

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  67. Oh lord, Carolyn! I'm so sorry to hear that your vacation ended so abruptly - that sounds awful and the circumstances were pretty terrifying! I'm happy to hear that your daughter is going to be ok, and also that someone had the good sense to get you out and around some fabric to take your mind off of things :) Also, I totally have the floral cotton lace! Mood sells it in a few colorways; I made a bra with mine (and now I have sooo much left over, so I'll be watching your blog to see what you do with yours!).

    Also, American Airlines - meh. I flew to & from Peru with them, and it was the shittiest airplane experience I've ever had. I'd pay twice as much for my ticket if it meant I didn't have to fly with them ever again. Boo on American Airlines!

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    1. Lauren - I'm going to have to go back and look at your bras. I didn't realize that we had the same fabric. I'm thinking a top with my fabric. And yeah, I will avoid American like the plague now!

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  68. What a trip! I'm glad your dd is doing well. You must have been frantic to get there.
    We had a bad trip on American too and were rerouted through Houston in fact when we were booked on a non stop to JFK.

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  69. God bless that your daughter is recovering and that you made it safely off the cruise liner. Great pieces of fabric.

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  70. Wow, so much happening at once. Thank God you all made it through everything. Praying for your daughters speedy & complete healing.

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  71. What's up with Houston and amazing medical care? We had a friend who got sick in Jamaica and was flown to a stroke rehab center in Houston- and is doing amazing. Good to know they have fantastic health care. Wishing your daughter all the best.

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    1. Patricia, I was in awe of the number of hospitals and the care that they give. Everyone was pleased to share that The Texas Medical Center is one of the best in the nation.

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  72. God is good. I'm grateful that your daughter is better and you were able to be there when she needed you. It's nothing like having your mother there when you are sick. I'm glad that you survived this ordeal with a sense of humor.

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    1. Towanda - thanks! She was really glad I came and a sense of humor and kindness is the only way to deal with situations like this, in my opinion.

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  73. Oh my goodness, what a scary time all round. So glad to hear that your daughter is doing well.

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  74. Thank God your daughter is doing better. Here's to her continued recovery.

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  75. Glad your daughter's recovering, and talk about a terrifying double-whammy ... what are the odds?

    I agree with your assessment of High Fashion -- it's the best thing going for us in Houston, but I'm sure it doesn't hold a candle to what you have access to in NYC. And Houston does have outstanding medical facilities, which I admit is perhaps more important than good fabric stores ...

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    1. Andrea - in this instance you're outstanding medical facilities win but on a day to day basis I might choose fabric stores first! *LOL* Twisted I know!

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  76. I'm so glad your daughter is doing well and that you and your family have gotten through this...and that you have a daughter with the wisdom to see the need for fabric therapy! Hoping for the best for you all.

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    1. Beverly - my children know me well! *LOL* Thanks for the good wishes!

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  77. Oh how terrifying! I am so glad your daughter is doing better. Anything going on with your liver is serious. J had liver toxicity with one of the first medications he was on and it was scary. Also, I've been really impressed with the fabric selection I've seen at Hancock's lately. It's not high end, but they have stepped up their game.

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    1. LJ - thanks! And I'm sure that was hard on top of everything else you had going on with J! I was truly impressed with Hancocks. Friendly staff, well organized, neat and orderly - I would shop there over the craft store masquerading as a fabric store any day!

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  78. Oh my gosh! When you have an emergency, you don't have a simple one! So very glad things turned out as well as they did. Sending all healing energy for your daughter - and you for all the adrenalin that got used up.

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  79. So relieved that your tale has a happy ending. It's one of those situations where you need a holiday, to recover from the holiday isn't it. Lol

    Pleased that your daughter is on the mend. Bet that was a scary experience for her. (and the rest of you).

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    1. Janette - my daughter can't believe how sick she actually got! And I'm so glad we had a happy ending too!

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  80. So glad to hear DD1 is doing better and you got some fabric shopping. I had no idea about the fire. And yes with all that a shoulder would have been welcome.

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  81. Oh. My. Goodness.

    That must have been an absolute nightmare. I was holding my breath reading it, can't imagine living it.

    I'm so glad that she is okay and recovering. Thoughts and prayers to her!!!!

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  82. What an adventure! Glad you got off of your cruise ship disaster. And most of all, I'm glad your daughter is doing well. If you're like me, you hate sitting bedside in a hospital. Your loved one is sleeping most of the time... The machine beeps... The nurses taking vitals... Sigh... I'm glad you were able to get some fresh air and do some relaxing shopping.

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    1. Erica - I went through 3GB of data space on my iPad, read 3 books and watched a few stored movies. I was thankful when we moved out of ICU to a room because then at least there was TV to watch! And even though I had a hotel room, I spent most of my time at the hospital when she was in ICU.

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  83. So gald to hear your daughter is doing well and that you are also doing fine. Take care and thank you for sharing this story with us.

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  84. Amazing! Glad your daughter is progressing well. I will keep all of you in my prayers.

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  85. Hallelujah! Happy to hear that all are ok.
    Love your blog! Your blog is my starting point for viewing the happenings on other blogs Best Regards, Debbie O'

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    1. Thanks Debbie and I'm happy you enjoy my ramblings on sewing.

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  86. Wow, what a journey! Can't believe you were on that cruise when the fire broke out and that was just the starting point of your adventure. Glad you made it to Houston (eventually) and were able to see your daughter. I bet she was so happy to see you! Also glad you got some fabric shopping in. Need to remember to pattern shop next time I'm at a Joann's in the 'burbs. :)

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    1. Amanda - I don't shop at the J place - I can't stand them! That's why I was so thrilled with Hancocks the anti-Jplace! Thanks for your well wishes about my daughter.

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  87. So glad your daughter is doing better, and her prognosis is good. Sorry about your trip having to be cut short. I recently visited Houston and went to High Fashion Fabric. I wasn't overly impressed either.

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    1. Natisha - it just seems like High Fashion Fabrics should be more than it was y'know! Thanks for your good wishes!

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  88. OMG!!! High drama on the high seas! I'm so glad your daughter is recovering well.

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  89. I am so glad that your daughter is doing so much better. As I read your post my heart ached because I have a daughter who moved to Houston right after graduation from college. We have no family there and you actuality has been my greatest fear. That something would happen and I would be there with her. I had planned on posting this yesterday. Stay Blessed and keep on sewing. I really enjoy reading your blog and seeing your projects.

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  90. I have not been in a proper fabric store for years! In UK the shops are nearly non-existant, a few bolts of ordinary dress making, and lots of upholstery fabrics. I have to do online and rely on DD to bring stuff from Middle East!
    American Airlines are pretty bad. Had one flight from Chicago to SF where lav was blocked, one aisle, blocked by food trolley, whole plane smelled of diesel, and people were weeping they were so tired of cramped conditions. My mom is gone now, so just stay home!
    So glad your medical story ended well. This is what families are for - to keep us hopping! Love your designs and sewing tips.

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  91. Oh my! I'm so sorry to hear about your daughter. I'm so glad she's doing better now. That must have been such a stressful time. I'm so glad you're now on the other side looking back.

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  92. WoW... that was totally frightening. Thankfully no one was harmed during the boat fire and you were able to get to your daughter safely. So glad she is doing well.

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  93. Oh my Lord - what a harrowing couple of weeks :-( I'm so glad to hear that your daughter is well on the way to recovering, and that you were able to make it off the ship and to her side safely, if not quickly.

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  94. My best wishes to you and your daughter (and her sister, who must also have been terrified). I'm glad things worked out well.

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  95. Oh, Carolyn! What a story! I am so sorry that your vacation ended this way, but thank GOODNESS that your daughter is recovering and that you were able to get there! It must have been beyond draining!

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  96. Wow! I'm amazed you can write at all! To even be able to fabric shop, think, write... amazing! Your daughter is in my prayers for continued health and positive progress! Also, has this experience soured you on cruises?

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  97. How frightening and what a story! So glad to know that your daughter is going to be fine, wishing her a speedy recovery! Methodist is one the best, it can be so hot here in Houston but you can't beat the medical care if you need it!
    I agree about High Fashion Fabrics, I felt disappointment too the first time I visited, I expected more fabric choices other than prom and wedding stuff.
    Love Hancock's, I think more than Joann's and they send out great coupons all the time too.
    Looking forward to more of your posts!

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  98. Wow, this must have been so scary for you. Just the ordeal on the cruise ship would have been enough to drain a person, but your daughter's illness - wow. I'm amazed you were able to write about this - you are one strong woman. Sending prayers her way - so glad to hear that she is getting better.

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  99. I'm so glad everything is okay Carolyn! Prayers that you daughter has the speediest of recoveries!

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  100. What a trip! So glad your daughter is progressing so well!!!

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  101. I can't believe all this happened to one person, I just can't. That said nothing really matters but that your baby is going to be fine. What is written between the lines here is so much anguish. So glad it is over now for you both.

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  102. I am glad to read that your daughter has recovered and that you had a heck of a cruise ship experience! Glad you are home safe and sound.

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  103. OMG! You have been through the ringer that's for sure. I am so glad your daughter is OK. I purchased a similar guipure lace from Mood.com.

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  104. okay, your people know you WELL. thank god for a hancock's break! you will be ruined by the experience if that pattern sale ;)!

    i'm so glad she's doing better. hope things are better every day!

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  105. Sorry for what you've been through. Glad your daughter is doing better and maybe you'll plan another cruise. I was on that cruise in June and tomorrow will fly to Jamaica.

    Interesting to see you in Hancock, but you need fabric therapy!

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  106. Oh, I'm so glad you daughter has a good health report and that you are home and all in one piece.

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  107. I'm glad that you are okay and that your daughter is recovering. I'm so sorry that it happend to you and your family. It sounds very stressful. I'm glad that you enjoyed your sojourn to suburban fabric chain stores--yup! it's a great way to collect a large portfolio of patterns.

    Rose in SV

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  108. My goodness, Carolyn! Talk about a holiday you'll never forget. I am so so glad to hear your daughter is doing better and that the cruise staff were so incredibly helpful getting you home. Sounds like the fabric therapy was just the ticket, too. Looking forward to seeing what you do with that gorgeous lace.

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  109. That was some story. I am glad it turned out so well. The fabric shopping was good therapy (as someone who loves to sew) it must have been great research. Thank you, for sharing

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  110. So glad that everyone is doing alright now. Just want you to know that you are missed! I look so forward to reading your blog each post you make. Will try to be patient. Thanks so much for sharing with us. Hope all is going better and that your daughter is rapidly recovering.

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  111. Oh my. It sounds like a trying two weeks. I am so glad that your daughter is doing better. It is good that you got to do some fabric shopping to relieve all that stress. Best wishes!

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  112. What a harrowing trip for you. I've been reading your blog for a few years now, so I feel like I know you, and as I read this post I was so worried about your daughter and you. I usually just read and don't comment but I had to let you know that your skilled writing, your wonderful taste, and your thoughtful posts have made me like and care about you. Lifting your daughter up in my prayers

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