Sewtopia, a Weekly Summary

Hope this finds everyone well and safe. As we navigate lives very different from the ones we led just a few weeks ago, it is sometimes difficult to stay on task, at least it is for me. I tend to navigate back to the television for the latest updates and statistics while living with great empathy for my friends and those still working the front lines of medical treatment. I have been there during epidemics in the past, all dangerous, but much different than this one. For decades, my first-floor entry was a decontamination zone. It was normal life for us. My children always complained that our house always had the scent of Clorox. Yes, it did.

Much like the tortortous growth of Bonsai, we must change the way we conduct our daily lives. I find that my day-to-day life is really not changed much. Remember that I live in the woods, my neighbors are critters, I live a very quiet and introverted life. The transition is not that difficult for me.

I have been making face-masks for friends and family.  Not for professional use, these are the simple two-layer version with a high-quality flannel liner that I got from Gloria Horn Sew Studio in Mt. Lebanon. She and her staff, as well as customers, have been very busy making hundreds of these masks. God Bless all those who have tirelessly contributed to this effort.

I have been studying White Work. Such beautiful and intricate pieces! I have been also working on some "quiet stitching!" No machine whirring in the background has a calming force that I appreciate. Upstairs, in my sitting area with needle and floss in hand, I have been slogging away on this little project. I bought the pattern probably 25 years ago. I am not sure why it ended up in the UFO drawer but it called to me again, so I am trying to adjust my eyes to this close work. The eyes are 25 years older too.

I needed to adapt this floor frame a bit to hold this scroll. In-hand work is turning into a bit of a struggle because I am not as flexible as I used to be. This way, the stand holds a scroll and I can use my left hand for the work.

 

On the other floor frame, I am going to start a sampler, I found some even weave in the same drawer from the same time period, today I will clean finish the edges and mount it. I will mark the linen before mounting because it is a larger piece. I am not sure what pattern I will use, that is going to be the big decision of the week. See, I live a wild and crazy life!

These are my new heat erasable pens. Today, we will do some tests before I use them on that linen!

• I have been self-isolating for 4 weeks now, since the day after MIL's funeral. That was my choice. In a few more weeks I hope that have everything sparkling clean, loads of food cooked and preserved, garden planning done and at least finish the 9 patch blocks on my Summer quilt. 
• Honestly, if I accomplish one of those goals I will be thrilled! Again, the distractions.
• As we enter Holy Week I wish you blessings.
• Meet a lovely lady who is a founder of  Hands Across the Sea Samplers. She has an entertaining video series on You Tube.  Nicola Parkman, embroidery, cross-stitch, extraordinaire!