When the COVID vaccine was available to me last spring, we had been in lockdown for the better part of a year. We had had a brief opening in September 2020 but that quickly disappeared into the second wave. And I think I had one outing just before the 3rd.
I decided that as long as my family got the vaccine, whenever they needed help or wanted quality time, I would say YES. Forget that I had seen them the day before or I needed to work on a video, family was coming first. This summer has been busy between the grand dog sitting, helping with new ventures, moving homes, and plenty of family dinners.
Enjoying my family as adults is so much fun. And I am grateful that I have both my parents to share in this stage too.
I have said YES to many of my friends as well. Last week had my a friend come over to use the longarm. And this weekend I am spending it with two of my favourite people, both called Susan. In the past, we have spent these weekends furiously making baby quilts for a local charity, but this weekend we're just kicking back. I’ve brought my crumbs, my #100days100blocks and my big bag of baby fabric. It will be interesting to see what I manage to actually do. I have taken my sewing on the go and I am pleased to say it has worked out perfectly.
As summer ends, it hasn’t been my most productive season. But it has given me time to sit back and take stock…and plan ahead.
If you haven't already, check out my latest Karen's Quilt Circle interview with John @ Art East Quilting Co. In a previous blog, I mentioned his class on pet portraits, and I have been hooked on him and his quirky and wonderful quilts ever since. Our conversation is perfect to listen to while working on your FPP projects, so if you haven't already, click the thumbnail below to watch now.
And I am (finally) selling merch! Currently, there are regular mugs and travel mugs, but I hope to have more products available soon. Click here to shop today.
Hi Karen, I do look forward to your posts. Here in Sydney Australia we are currently in lockdown. No use complaining but with 6 of us at home it can get a bit crazy. Luckily I can get to my sewing in my space and continue to make quilts. I think I am on my sixth for this year. Family and friends are pleased with their new quilt. First day of Spring here and 24 degrees Celsius the water looks beautiful and soon I will be going to the beach for a swim. We have a 5 klm radius so lucky that cover a beach in Botany Bay. We are all saying YES with my Daughter, Son-in-law, granddaughter 17, grandson16…
Hi Karen. As I stumble along with my TWO goldendoodle, I empathize with you and trying to give enough attention but get things done myself! I have all these books, patterns and magazines (even after whittling down a lot of sewing room stuff!) but I find myself inventing my own patterns for these scrap quilts. I do not use any software, just rely on my math and geometry! And my friends say they are great. It has been great to make these quilts from scraps and give to children I love or the Bags of Love charity. BOL gets quilts and other cool gifts to children removed from parental custody. My heart breaks for these kids and this is someth…
The link to the shop doesn't work, it just takes me to your video playlist. I'm interested to see what you've come up with x
The Power of that one word, Yes. I am writing my own experience of saying Yes to a family member 1,200 miles away in the middle of the Delta variant. Hurricane Ida even affected our plans, so I need to get my story written so my sisters can experience our mother as I have just witnessed in helping her sister. My job was just to drive her over and back. Best word of 2021, Yes.
Great post Karen! Have a fantastic time with Susan L - she's one of MY faves too. Best, Susan W (Amman)