Where were you at this time last year?
This question has been all over social media this week. Like other terrifying world events, nearly everyone can recall where they were last year when the WHO declared the international pandemic official. Where were you? What were you doing? How has it affected your life?
If you’ve been following me for a while then you know I was totally preoccupied with my son’s diagnosis of stage 4 lymphoma. As we navigated his care, we could see health care protocols tightening and services being cancelled as they concentrated their efforts on treating COVID 19 cases. My son was one of the "lucky" ones as his chemo went forward. Today he is cancer-free.
But what if I look past 2020 and into the previous years?
This week in 2019 my YouTube channel was just picking up steam when I posted 10 Sewing Hacks from the Dollar Store. Not only was it fun to make, but viewers also seem to enjoy it as much as I did. With YouTube, I had found my groove.
3 years ago in March 2018, I posted my first video The Economy Block-Three Different Ways, Three Different Sizes. At the time I was VP of the Toronto Modern Quilt Guild and in charge of the Block Lotto. I had recently received a selfie stick and thought I could make a video. How hard could it be? LOL. It was 3 weeks of intense learning as I quickly realized that I knew nothing about video making.
4 years ago in March 2017, I had just returned from my first Quiltcon in Savannah with my brain just bursting with ideas and plans. Within days, jumped on the LONG TIME GONE Quilt-along with Gnome Angel. And then I started my English paper pieced New Hexagon Millefiore Quilt. I said to myself it would be a 5-year project. And I’m now sewing the rosettes together and hope to be done by the end of the year.
5 years ago in March 2016, I had just taken my first longarm class and became involved in my first charity quilt project. I applied what I learned and quilted up a storm for the first Syrian refugees arriving in Toronto. The experience made me value quilts beyond my own enjoyment of making them. And that they carry love and warmth wherever they go.
6 years ago in March 2015, I was trying to pull the blocks of my first sampler quilt together. I thought I had done all the hard work and found out pretty quickly how tricky putting blocks together could be. All the mistakes of the sampler blocks compounded but somehow it all works out in the end. Though I hated the fabrics by the time I finished, I still love seeing them when I make the bed.
And 10 years ago I was skiing. There was a time before quilting when March was our family vacation at various ski hills. For the past 3 years, we have wanted to do it again. Unfortunately, life and the world had other plans.
What a crazy journey life can be. Yes, last year was hard, but I’m so fortunate that my son is okay. Though I imagined being on vacation in the Netherlands last year, I’m glad I had my Just Get It Done Community to create videos for. As quilters, we tend to be perfectionists, making sure our seams nest and we iron the correct way, but much like life, things don’t always go as planned. Though this past year was a doozy, I’m ready for whatever comes next.
First of all, I'm so happy to hear your son is healthy. I wanted to reach out because with your help I've made 3 quilt tops which I've quilted into two quilts and I've been learning so much. Is there a place we can share our work with you? I have had many triumphs and many, many mistakes but it's been fun breaking rules and learning just why they are RULES. (One of the quilt tops was made from ripped blocks... needless to say my corners did NOT line up.) Also, what do you think about fabric cutting machines? Do you have one? Do you recommend one?
Hello, I am so very glad your son is doing fine. I watched your story on YouTube and I wished your family well. I enjoyed reading your recollections and it encouraged me to look back on my own. At this time last year my family was already in lockdown in Los Angeles. But the previous year in March I was planning a trip to Spain for my family. We went in April 2019 and had a wonderful time exploring Madrid and the surrounding towns. It was such a lovely adventure for us all and a sweet memory to think about. I wanted to thank you for an excellently demonstrated and written Stashbuster #8 pattern. Your energy and enthusiasm are a delight and…
You so often put into words what many of us identify with --- thank you for reminding me that life and quilts are not perfect! :-)
Thank You for sharing this. Looking back in time can help us to see our accomplishments and what we managed to walk through. I subscribed to your YouTube channel and have watched nearly every one of them. I think I have 3 left to view. I am wanting to make quilts from some non-traditional fabric (rayon) that would incorporate items (pockets) that are part of the personal desire to make these quilts for our grandsons. My husband died last September. He had a collection of Hawaiian shirts which I have taken apart and now have stacks of fronts and backs and arm pieces. I have not seen any mention in your videos of using other fabrics or incorporating non-traditional thing…
Thank you for sharing all of this; I just found you this year (pandemic and retirement!) and so enjoy all the tips, tricks, and strategies to Just Get It Done! Your videos are saved to my Pinterest board for easy reference and are a phenomenal resource. May the year to come be everything you need it to be!