So beyond the usual household chores and meals....Sir Old Man is home more, so I cook more....I need to create something routine and daily. I have been sewing about an hour a day usually, and this week I came upon an idea that has some meaning to me. Before I got sick in 2016, we were making a circle block a day, which I turned into my therapy quilt. Actually I made two because I could not handle the large size of just one.My idea was to make a small block each day as a means of self expression and work out any frustrations I was feeling. I had a bin with a few string blocks already made. Perfect beginning.
Small string blocks using up floral strings and bits! Simple and easy on the hands for me to do. By making 4 or 5 day, which doesn't take long, I have a nice stack of these now. My block size is 4'' and most of the fabrics are florals and tonals with a few other prints thrown in.
I looked thru saved images on Pinterest for layout ideas and decided this one depicts the state of our new normal.
Everything seems out of focus, and not quite centered. Life is smooth and then takes a quick turn. New demands, adjustments. Altered priorities. I am sewing any insanity and frustration of the day into small blocks. When they get put together and tamed, sanity will return!
Or at least that is what I am telling myself.
I have the Blended 4 patch under the needle for the weekend......sew on!
Un beso muy grande, que todo pase rápido y que todo vaya bien.
ReplyDeleteBesos y fuerza para pasar esto
I need to take on some type of daily project for my creative sanity also. The simple truth is that i am having a far more difficult time with this than I ever imagined.
ReplyDeleteBut I will find some way to survive - as we must carry on in the "new normal."
Your string block layout speaks volumes about our lives right now. I had planned on spending more time in the sewing room, but when my computer started getting quirky, I decided I better spend time backing up and editing picture files while I still could. Going through old pictures is quite an emotional trip.
ReplyDeleteIt is just disorienting right now, I find myself with a lot of time but not a lot of focus. I was just thinking about that this morning.
ReplyDeletePerfect! I think you have a perfect way of dealing with the insanity of this situation. In the 80s, our oldest son was diagnosed with melanoma when he was in 7th grade. We thought they got it all. A year later, another surgery and the same diagnosis. He and I designed, made, and hand quilted a quilt. It kept us both busy and got us through. He is fine today and still has the quilt. ~Jeanne
ReplyDeletePutting pieces together is sanity. I just sewed the borders on a quilt made from 20 year old blocks that were donated to me. The simple pattern, low volume colors, and cohesion have greatly comforted me. I am just leaving it on the design wall for now. Keep sewing those blocks.
ReplyDeleteGreat sewing on the string blocks and your two circle quilts are so lovely..
ReplyDeletemy circles.... are still in a box ;000, but I WILL get to them.
I had begun making them right after my Mom passed away and haven't been able to work with them since....but time will tell me when I am ready...
thanks for the lovely posting
~ ~ ~ ~ waving from afar Julierose ;)))
So nice to see your two lovely Quilty 365 quilts again. They are both so special to you for what they represent. Never delude yourself into believing the current mantra "the new normal." There is Nothing normal about what we are all experiencing at this moment.
ReplyDeleteWe quilters are fortunate that we can set a goal for stitching, using only the supplies we already have on hand, and make progress each day. And then, the finished piece is useful and comforting. How vital these skills and results are in today's world!
ReplyDeleteYour string quilt is a wonderful depiction of our lives today, but in the end you came out with a beautiful finish! Hopefully the same will be true of our lives when this virus mess is gone! ---"Love"
ReplyDeleteI agree--that one is perfect for right now!
ReplyDeleteIt is definitely a statement on our times in fabric. A wonderful expressive outlet for you.
ReplyDeleteFantastic string block and setting to express yourself with. Oh, I see your circle quilts and it reminds me that I still have not finished mine. Wanted to hand quilt it - now is the time.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful circle block quilts, I remember when lots lo quilters were making them and I had thought of making one but never did, after seeing your two here I think I will make one using my fabric scraps but I will probably applique them on the machine.I think you're doing a good thing with sewing each day, that's my plan now I've almost completed re-arranging my sewing room!
ReplyDeleteI think it's a frightening and worrying time for all os us but when we hear, or certainly when I hear, that the vulnerable ones are those over 70yrs and who have underlying chronic health symptoms my panic levels go into overdrive!
I like that string quilt. Yes, blurred by insanity. Glad you are getting sewing done.
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