This n That

The past few days have been spent working on guild charity quilts and mask making.  I haven't finished binding the quilts, but the binding is cut and waiting for me.  I'm binding by machine, not by hand, so it's a lot faster.

 The past two days have included some mask making, I've 11 more to add to my total.

These are all lined with flannel.  The next batch will be made from two batiks.  I'm hoping they will be cooler in the warmer weather we've been experiencing.  The flannel tickles my nose and overheats me, so I'm ready to try something new.

Speaking of trying something new, there is a video out there somewhere, which shows how to use a seam ripper to create the pleats.  This is SO much easier than trying to iron them in place before stitching.  Just be sure to use a large seam ripper.  I first used a small one, and the resulting pleat was barely there.

My biggest news is that I've begun quilting the quilt I started in a David Taylor class back in 2014.  I finished the top last year, but I've been putting off the quilting, worried that I wasn't warmed up.  Well, after finishing that long-time UFO, my hand quilting is as warm as it's ever going to be.  I've been at it for three days, and so far?  So good!!  I am loving the project, but I am limiting myself to 3 hours of quilting a day.  After that?  My hands begin cramping and the stitches start to suffer.

Yesterday, I was bummed to find out that the Spring Quiltfest in Greenville, SC has been cancelled.  They must have decided yesterday, because on Monday, they reiterated that they were still taking entries.  I asked for a refund, rather than keep the quilts entered in a show scheduled for 2021.  That's just too far in the future for that kind of commitment.

If you are having quilt show withdrawals the way I am having quilt show withdrawals, I recommend you look up Quilt Fever.  It's a 16 minute documentary about Paducah.  I have to admit that it shouldn't have been a tearjerker, but midway through?  I found my eyes leaking as I contemplated the overwhelming loss to the quilt community that the inability to gather together like this has been.  I've been trying to push off reality, in denial, saying, "Surely we will be able to get together again soon!"  Now?  I'm not so sure.  One day at a time.

In the meantime, if you're having quilt show withdrawals, here is the link for Quilt Fever on Amazon.  Enjoy!!!  And keep on quilting!  I can't wait to see your show and tell!