Staying Sane
We are living in a time for which quilters have spent decades preparing themselves. Finally that massive stash can be utilised for your mental health. This is the new normal. I won’t add too much more noise about coronavirus as there seems to be enough of that around at the moment. Almost every email I receive tells me about safety restrictions or closures or both. This beast is putting a lot of businesses to the sword – physically with closures, economically of course and mentally. Many people are very anxious for themselves or loved ones and these difficult times have impacted many of them. Since I always work from home that aspect has not changed very much but there is certainly an air of disquiet hovering over us. As you know Apatchy’s classes have been cancelled and it is strange to have the room quiet. Charlie wonders where all his friends-with-biscuits have gone.
Tea time is not quite the same without the lively conversation.
Never ones to wallow in self pity though, quilters everywhere are stepping up to the plate – either working away on the numerous UFO’s they are finding in cupboards that have not seen the light of day for some time or else working for the community making essential items.
Brenda Wood, a longtime friend of Apatchy popped in last week and I was able to supply her with some fabric to make scrub hats for Caboolture hospital.
Togetherness is the one thing that this virus has stolen from us but again, quilters are working out ways around that. Some people are talking on What’s App and others through email or texts. For those on Facebook I have set up the Virtual Apatcheez messenger group. If you aren’t on that let me know. The ladies there have been very busy and, since all the classes are combined, they are meeting new people who they otherwise wouldn’t have known – which is lovely. We are finding out there who has a lot of time to sew and there are many finished projects that have been shared. Here are some – and these are only the finished projects. There’s been a lot more sharing of blocks and so on.
I think Lesli has won so far with the number of projects finished. We are all very jealous of her sewing time – or maybe she’s just more organised than the rest of us…here’s what she’s done in the last couple of weeks…
And here’s Margaret’s projects….
And then there’s Debbie C’s bag….
And Debbie L’s bag (and sampler quilt block)
And finally Meredith’s cushion…
Some are even using snail mail. This arrived last week…
There are a lot of creative people in the world who have had shows cancelled (the resident rockstar is one). Many have taken to social media to share their particular talents. Again quilters are included and there are several ‘sewalongs’ or ‘quarantine quiltalongs’ to get us through. Here are a couple that you might like –
This one called Love & Hugs from Australia Stitchalong is made up of quite high-profile designers who are each providing a free pattern throughout april to keep people confined at home busy and entertained. Some are stitcheries and some are appliques. This one is Libby Richardson’s version.
If you prefer pieced quilting then this project by Pat Sloan might be more your style. It’s a good way to use up novelty fabrics or you could make something more coordinated. It’s an interesting concept to make a quilt during this time – memorialising such a strange time in history with something tangible that would always remind you of when you made it. Pat does Youtube broadcasts every day so you can follow her there with her projects. She always has interesting tips and tricks and you don’t have to have Facebook to watch.
Finally there is this project which is related to the slow stitch movement that we talked about in the last class (can you remember that far back?). This project is another generous effort from Sarah at A Little Happy Place and it involves a little stitching each day. Sarah does beautiful work and her website is a treat for the eyes.
I’m not affiliated with any of the above. They are just projects I’ve found when I’ve been aimlessly surfing social media. Maybe you have found some projects too. Let me know and we’ll share with everyone.
There is a lot more sharing going on too. Some is quite sweet like this one Sue sent me.
And much is humorous like this link June sent me.
Thanks everyone for keeping us all sane. Remember if there’s anything you need for your sewing supplies I should still be able to help you. Our suppliers are working hard to maintain supplies and are still operating in that goods can be received and despatched. So if you need anything that can’t be found in your very impressive stashes then give me a call and I can arrange for you to collect or I can post your goodies.
I’ll leave you with Lesli’s tablerunner appropriately set for Easter. It’s going to be a strange one this year – hope the bunny can get through.
With my very best regards in this most trying of times. Thank you for your continued support of my small business.
Until next time….Happy quilting
Kaye
Thank you Kaye. You are an inspiration to us allđŸŒº
Wow, what great work these ladies are doing – must have had a wonderful mentor! I can vouch for her comments re the suppliers. Kaye managed to get in 8.5 metres of backing fabric for my Kim McLean quilt in 4 days. If only I could stitch that fast.
Can you put me in your Virtual Apatcheez Facebook group Kaye?
Hi from Kamloops, BC, đŸ‡¨đŸ‡¦
I sew enjoy your blog, Kaye.your photos are so cheery,. The one of your garden brings back happy memories of our visit there.
Your ladies’ quilts are inspiring, love Meredith’s cushion.
Best wishes
Carol