Life Beneath the Surface

I’ve put off writing a blog post for lots of reasons but here I am, over two weeks since the last one. This is not my usual style of post. I’m going to start with some thoughts before I get to a stitching update.

2020 was not supposed to turn out like this, life was great and things were going so well?

But we all know appearances are deceptive. A global pandemic was already brewing, and historical actions have far-reaching consequences that maybe this time will be fully acknowledged and we will do the hard work that needs doing, both me personally and us as a nation.

Here’s where I’m at. I am a privileged white female who has benefitted from an amazing education and many wonderful opportunities due to my family of birth.  Those privileges are not universally available and that’s not fair. I could spend my time feeling guilty but that won’t help anyone. What I can do is take the time to educate myself and take informed steps to do what I can do to set things right.

When I started out on the road I made a decision that I could not tolerate any form of racial or gender discrimination. I am always mindful that I am a guest as I travel, and that we all have different political opinions. However, as some of you know, if I’m asked a question I will absolutely speak my mind. Also, if my silence can be taken for agreement on a subject I will not stay quiet.

And yes, Black Lives Matter.

And yes, an inmate with a life sentence deserves access to the same medical treatment as me. (I was asked that question once and wow, it took me by surprise)

My life goes on and I am still stitching.

After the Instagram blackout day I have struggled to know how to post appropriately.  I have posted less. I had prepared some happy pieces to embellish during Virtual Quilt Market but my heart was not there. I went in a different direction and stitched this instead.

Twelve inches square, shades of black thread. Here’s a close up.

All the feelings? I’m still looking for a title.

I did go back to the other pieces I had prepared and added embroidery.

Moving Forward.

Interwoven

Secret stitching for a contract with a deadline is also underway. Today’s featured image at the top of the post gives you peak behind the scenes. Yes, pressing matters! I’m now at the binding stage. I have a lot of bindings to hand sew down.

Things are opening up around here. I taped a You Tube chat with Gayle at BERNINA of Naperville on Saturday. If you have an hour to spare you can watch it here. We talked about life, machine quilting and English Paper Piecing. I basted and stitched some hexagons together…

That was before my visit to see Helen, my most excellent hair dresser. Yes, I finally got my hair cut. 

Thanks Helen, I can see again!!

I’m going to be teaching at Thimbles in Lockport this Saturday. We have restricted the class to nine students for some Walking Foot Quilting fun. I will be wearing a mask and have plenty of hand sanitizer available. It’s been a more than three months since I last taught. I will let you know how it goes…