I have taken a long time away from this space because I have needed a lot of time to heal. I’m still healing. I have been told repeatedly that this recovery is a very long process. Having multiple pulmonary embolisms is no joke and I have been forced to slow all the way down. I’m fortunate that from the time I was hospitalized and the time I go back to work it will have been about four months, I am very fortunate. The first six weeks that I was home I was too mentally and physically exhausted to do much of anything, I couldn’t even knit! When I finally felt like I could read a knitting pattern again I was elated but my knitting is slower, I’m more distracted and sometimes I just need to do absolutely nothing. So I have been trying to be as kind to myself as I possibly can be because this is hard. I keep telling people, I look good on the outside, it’s the inside that’s a mess!
Over the last few weeks I’ve started to feel better in a different way. There is always an underlying fatigue I feel all the time but my energy is picking up, my breathing has improved A LOT and I’m learning a new normal and trying to really listen to my body. I’ve realized there are just some things I cannot do right now, so I have to say no and set boundaries for myself and my healing. I was glad to finally start to feel like myself because I filmed my Knit Stars segments at the end of July. It was exhausting, but it was so fun. I’ve got some behind the scenes things to share but I’ll share that soon. For now I just wanted to say thank you so much for all your messages and support. Slowly but surely I’m finding my new rhythm and figuring out how to make things work.
Yards of Happiness 
Much love and deep healing, Dana!
So good to hear from you. Please give yourself all the time you need to heal, whether it’s weeks, months, or years.
Lay low and heal well. We will be here for you when you need us and will rejoice when you feel better ❤️🩹
I am so glad you’re feeling better, Dana, and that a worse outcome was averted. Breathing is so precious and we take it for granted. I know you have a supportive family team and there’s a lot to be said for that. Take care. One step at a time.
Hi Dana, I am glad you are feeling better. Definitely be kind to yourself. No rush. It’s uplifting. Yes its a marathon recovery. Set your own pace. We are cheering you on.
I’m so glad to hear you are taking it slowly. I think our bodies do show us by forcing us sometimes. Your inspiration is always there!
And it brings me such joy to see your with your Adorable Darling to comfort you and cheer you on!
Thank you for all you have given me, and continue to share, Dana. Hugs!
The right speed is the one that works for you, Dana. Let Jellybean be your guide: She does what works for her, and (within the boundaries you set, lol) the world adores her for it!
Dana,
I’m so happy you are feeling better.
Just take it all easy.
We may all miss you, but we all also understand what you are going through.
Take care of you. Take all the time you need to heal.
We will be here when you are ready.
🙏🏻
So happy to hear you are on the path to recovery. Hugs and ❤️s.
This is such great news. Thank you so much for letting us know how you’re doing. Inch by inch, healing will happen, i.e., “tincture of time.” We’re lifted to see you smiling in this wonderful picture with Jelly Bean.
Prayers answered dana!!!! Keep taking care and healing
Give yourself all the time and care you need to get well. Relax and cuddle up with Jellybean. I like Oona’s advice (comment above): the right speed is the one that works for you.
Glad to hear you’re taking care of yourself and healing. Sending you all the good mojo!
Taking care of oneself is so important! The people who care about you… whether you know us or not… are glad you are taking the time you need. I can wait for a healthy Dana to liven my in box and my knitting!
So happy to hear that you are feeling better!
Dana, so glad to hear that your healing is progressing, and that you’re taking the time you need to get better. Best wishes to you and Jellybean! xo
So glad you are starting to feel better. I had a similar experience with an illness and was so surprised that knitting was just too hard to do while I was ill! I thought I knit to relax and enjoy, but I couldn’t even considered knitting the simplest piece! I guess when your body is trying to heal, it doesn’t want ANY other distractions, including something we love so much. I’m glad you are listening.
Prayers and moral suppprt for your continued progress back to health. I also had PE blood clots 3 years ago. Slow progress and things are almost back to normal. This is God’s reminder to slow down and love the life he’s given us
Be Safe and We’ll
Sue
You’ve been an inspiration to me (and a lot of other people) for your creativity, work ethic and values — and now for how you are being so open and honest in handling the mental and physical aspects of a health crisis. I admire you so much! To see you smiling with your little caregiver feels so good, and I hope the rest of this journey is easier on you.
I have missed you! I am glad you are feeling better and listening to your body.
I missed you and I’m grateful to God and the Universe that you are on the path to healing.
Dana, Remember you are NOT doing nothing, you are RECOVERING. Recovery is a long term and full time job. Snuggle Jellybean and take one day at a time. Prayers for your continuing recovery. Carol
Best wishes with your healing process. Take it easy! I’m glad that you’re able to enjoy knitting again, even if it’s a different experience from before. Sending good thoughts!
Listen to your body. Go slow or just stop and wait awhile until you’re ready for the next step. I’m grateful for all that you’ve shared. Sending warm and hopeful thoughts 🌞
Oh Dear! I had no idea you were ill. I HAVE missed your blog presence. I hope you are on the mend because you are a wonderful voice in our knitting community. Continued healing and restoring of you body and spirit…Jane Ann
it’s great to see you back and on the mend! and you *do* look good on the outside; sounds like the inside is getting there 🙂 .
Thank you for the update! It was such a pleasure to see your lovely smile and dear Jellybean. Wishing you a complete recovery in whatever time frame you need.
Dana,
I’m so glad to hear you are healing. Take as much time as you need! Be kind to yourself. Sending you healing energy.
Thank you for keeping us posted on your recovery. I am beyond impressed that you were able to film your Knit Stars segment! And very glad to read that you’re able to do some of the things that bring you joy (like knitting.) Take care and as others have said, take all the time you need.
So glad you’re on the mend. Keep taking it easy. We’ll wait for you.
I am so glad to hear some good news. Please rest and take care of yourself.
All the best,
PeggyR.
So glad to hear you are on the mend. You are a great knitting inspiration.
I’m so glad you’re feeling better! It sounds like you have good doctors.
I’m happy to hear that you are taking the time you need to heal and feel better. Give that Jellybean an extra hug 🙂 That pic is priceless with her arm hanging out. Take care!
So sorry to hear you’ve been ill. I’ve been at that place too tired to knit, too tired to watch TV, too tired to think. Please keep taking care of yourself, and I’ll be praying your energy and creativity come back soon.
Serious illness is such a shock to the system! I miss your wonderful smile, but you need to put yourself first, probably for the first time in your life. You’re worth it!
Thank you for being able to slow down and take proper care of yourself.
We miss your lovely designs, but taking proper care of yourself and letting yourself heal is far more appropriate more and important for yourself and your fans than any design pushed though under the
Kinds of fatigue you would be feeling.
So glad to hear you’re on the mend! I’m looking forward to more of your unique inspiration just as soon as you’re ready. Take care!
So glad to hear of your improved health. Stay slow, it’s a good way to live. I admire the way your finding the best path to follow on this journey.
May
Take it slow Miss Dana! Thanks for the update.
It’s great to see your beautiful smile Dana. Sending you every wish for good health from locked-down Sydney! I love reading your updates and have missed you.
Dear Dana, So very, very glad you are improving AND taking care of yourself. That’s so hard to do sometimes. You make me smile everytime I read one of your posts (met you on MDK). I’m rooting for you!
Christie
I’m sending you some love & prayers — you look so sunshiney lovely in this photo so the prayers are for the inside to match the outside as you say!
Dana, you look mah-va-lous! It’s so good that you are pacing your recovery. You didn’t need to explain yourself (to me) or anyone, but bless you for your gracious post.
So glad to hear from you (read ) and that you are on the mend . Your happy sweater is just the thing to give you a spirt lift I am sure . I enjoy reading any post from you , whether it is a new sweater pattern , motivation , or something to make one think . When ever you post we are here . Take care of yourself.
So lovely to see your smiling face! Just listen to your body and respect its needs. We’re here for you!
It’s wonderful to see you again! Please keep resting & follow your body’s needs. Sending hugs to you & your family.
So nice to see you again! I’m glad you’re being gentle with yourself and starting to feel better.
So happy that you are improving and taking care of yourself during your recovery. Best wishes.
So glad you are feeling better and giving yourself the time and space to heal.
So glad to hear that healing continues! Please take the time you need. We’ll be here.
Dear Dana, You are so right to be selfish with your health! I have been dealing with blood clots in my legs since 2009 and it is exhausting. I am blessed that mine were taken care of with medication fairly quickly, (AND not in my lungs!) but I have ongoing swelling in the left leg that comes and goes and tires me out. Thankfully, I have a wonderful care team that keeps me going! 🙂
I’m sure part of your exhaustion is your medication (I’ve been there too) so stay strong and always remember to ask questions of your doctors in case something new is available.
Hugs and prayers for strength and energy,
Carri