Gelly

Just the thought of EPP 1" hexies makes me want to smoke, (I'm horrible w/hand sewing) lol! Wishing you the best of luck in kicking the habit. Keeping your hands busy is a must! You can do it!

Kythcat

Thank you all for the encouragement!!! Makes me feel better already. Wanted to clarify why I chose the 1" hexies. Because I can't cut a straight line (even with a ruler) is why I'm getting the die from Accuquilt. And it even has the added bonus of being able to cut the papers at the same time is a big bonus for me. Plus its the biggest EPP die they had. The other reason is that I am planning on taking these to work so I have something to keep my hands busy during breaks and lunch, where I'm smoking during them now. Habits at home are already changing.

I think I might wait to do any embroidery on them until I get one plain flower done (all white) so I can either paint or embroider my quit date on it.

My actual quit date is in the middle of April, so trying to get everything together before hand.
Again, thank you all for the encouragement. It means a lot to me.

lynnie

i've made 4 epp quilts, 2 3/4" and 2 1". i cut some ladybug into mine. i think it will be cute to do that. i enjoyed looking for fabrics that had different types of bugs on them. Good luck with it. 2 yrs ago, I started one that was a 1". I did it June July and August. I finished it them. it was a bit bigger than a 60 x 80. My fingers are still hurting everytime i think of it. I'm now doing a 2" star EPP. This one is aqua and white. when i'm done with that, i'll finihs the purple, pink and yellow one. it's addicting, so it's a good replacement for the ciagaretes. good luck.

JuneBillie

Good luck on quitting. You can do it.

ctrysass2012

Good luck with your hexi's. I want to try them, just have not gotten to it yet. Congrats on your decision to quit smoking. I quit 1-1/2 yrs ago. for the 2nd time. I wasn't sure if I could(husband smokes) so purchased patches, lozenges & got Chantix. Didn't like the lozenges & didn't use the patches or pills. Don't really know why, maybe just being a stubborn 'Dutchman'. So far, so good. I'm sure since you have made the decision you'll be able to do it. Just keep trying & 1 day you'll have a new habit.

MadQuilter

You will feel so much better once you kick the habit. Stay strong!

As for the hexies - there are blogs and groups online for what to do with EPP (English Paper Piecing). Check there too. I am not a fan so I can't offer advice. I think if I had to do EPP, I'd start smoking again. lol

Madgie Rae

Quitting this habit is HARD! Can you do it? YES!!!!!!! I quit 32 years ago last Nov. I am writing you because I too, used handwork to help me have something to do with my hands. I began x-stitching then. I am sure I didn't do my very best work . . . so my advice is not to be too hard on yourself . . . but also DON'T let it make you so nervous that it creates other problems for you. I remember this as one of the hardest things I ever did, but my doctor told me not to quit until I knew I was ready and not to allow myself ANY options afterward. He said if you "start playing around with it" it will never work . . . COLD TURKEY is best". I found that to be true and after hearing so many stories from others, I really believe it was the best advice. After a few days, your mind will be the battleground . . . and I personally depended on prayer. I am sending you my best thoughts and prayers for your success. KNOW that success is only days away!

gramajo

I've been a heavy smoker for almost 60 years and have tried to quit numerous times, using all the methods out there. I finally tried lozenges for the 2nd or 3rd time and it's been working for 2 months now. I find myself getting much more done because I try to keep myself busy doing anything rather than smoking. I am probably spending as much money on the lozenges as I did on cigarettes, but I keep telling myself the lozenges are healthier for me than smoking. I have RA and can no longer do anything that requires me to use a needle. I have knee and back issues, but I try to walk when the weather is decent. The walking helps keep the weight off since I find myself eating more--the hand and mouth connection. I really feel that this time I'll make it. My good thoughts and wishes are with you and anyone else trying to quit. It is the hardest thing I've done in my life!

K-Roll

Bravo to you for taking this very important step, you can do it, truly. You CAN!

I quit and my daughter said then why don't you throw out your cigarettes mom? So I took my 2 fresh packs and broke them all & put them in the trash. Then she said are there anymore you have? I said no. She said, Liar! I can see a pack sticking out of your purse So then she had me break those up.

Remember the benefits. You aren't going to *automatically* gain weight...it's not a sentence!
Your breath, your car, everything will be sweeter, your skin will glow, your tastes will sharpen, you save $$. You won't pollute. You will breathe so much better.
You will also think about having a cigarette, and that's okay. Thinking about it is fine, just not doing it.

True story. One day after I quit I was out for a walk and I was feeling very low and thought, I wish I had a cigarette now. (As if that will EVER change anything for the better...) I hadn't taken 2 steps when I looked down and there was a whole cigarette on the sidewalk, not damp, all fresh, someone must have dropped it a few minutes before. Such luck! And I started laughing at this comical universe which is so ready to test my resolve at every turn: I stepped over it and walked on, very much happier because I could resist.

You are doing the right thing, replacing a negative with a positive. At times you will want to smoke, but you will have power. And more power after that, & more power to you!

Evedib

Congratulations! I quit after 30+ years. I was interviewing and I carried a insulated cup with a straw, water, tea or whatever in it. The main thing was the straw! It satisfied the urge to "light up" and pull on a cigarette. it was acceptable in every situation! And it really helped so my recommendation is always have a bottle of water (or your choice but water is best!) handy for that moment you put down the handiwork... Best of luck!