Good morning, my friends. It's hard to know what to say or where to start. To start, I'll tell you about how my day went yesterday. Like most Americans it was hard for me to concentrate on much of anything, but I managed to get in a little bit of time in the sewing room. Enough happened there to cause me to decide to return to Plan A with the "Mosaic" quilt. For now, I'll tell you about what I learned and how I'll proceed. At the end, I'll say something about the way forward.
Of course, the day started with slow-stitching. I finished up the first of seven small blocks for the Girls' Getaway quilt.
With that one finished, I moved on to the second one...Wine Tasting. I've stitched a little more than what you see here. Probably, this won't be finished until tomorrow.
When I made my way into the sewing room, I was armed with the Kindle version of this book. (Pay attention because this is the last time I'll show the book.)
Starting with the photo I'd chosen as Plan B, I began by drawing a diagonal grid. The book goes into some explanation about this. To make quilts using this method, one works with just one square of the grid at a time. She explained that she likes a diagonal grid because it imparts an energy that straight vertical and horizontal lines do not. Also, it makes certain errors less noticeable. She explained as well that her choice to make the squares 2 inches (2-1/2 inches unfinished) was decided simply because she had some 2-1/2 inch scraps she wanted to use. The grid could be from squares of any size, but I'll stick with the 2-inch size.
If my photo were square, I would have drawn a line from corner to corner. My photo is rectangular, and so I lined up the 45° angle line with the edge of the photo, and then lined up the edge of the ruler at the corner. (Sorry for the blur in this next image. My Panasonic camera is getting a spa treatment right now. I'm using my old Nikon point and shoot, which has always had a problem auto-focusing up close. There is no manual focus, and so sometimes I get a blur like this.)
When I'd drawn lines in both directions, it looked like this.
She also recommended numbering the squares to make it easier to hold your place. Working with a numbered square is easier than trying to remember "fourth square from the left, third row."
Then, I cut 2-inch squares from freezer paper. These will be templates to create each individual square from the image. In this case, I needed 54 squares.
She also recommends using a foam core board as a sort of design wall. I can pin the pieces to the board as I go. (I think I might have a smaller board, and I'll look today.)
Then, starting at the upper left corner, I made the first piece. The freezer paper is ironed to the fabric, and then it's trimmed leaving a quarter-inch seam allowance. The book doesn't mention this (unless I missed it), but I decided to number the pieces there as well. If everything were to fall on the floor, it would make reassembling it easier.
And there we go. The first of 54 pieces is finished.
By the time I got to the third piece, I was already stumped. A suggestion in the book is to cut a 2-inch square from card stock to help isolate the part of the image you're working with. This also helps when choosing fabric. I can lay the card stock down over the fabric to see how it will work for what I'm trying to accomplish.
This technique includes applique, and so I wanted to draw out the lighter bit of green toward the bottom of the square. Since I couldn't see it through the freezer paper, I used a piece of wax paper to trace the shape.
And then I could place that on my light box along with the freezer paper square and draw it from there.
I skipped over the third piece, deciding I first needed to do some more reading in the book. I moved to the fourth square and added it to the two already pinned.
Already I was on pins and needles about the election, and working on this new technique wasn't helping one little bit. I decided to bag it there and do some slow-stitching, which helped to calm my fraying nerves.
As for the rest of the day...well, you know. I did a little more reading in the book after getting into bed last night. By the time I turned off the light, I'd convinced myself to start again with the photo I selected originally. Plan B's photo is a little too difficult to use as a first try. The one below will be easier. And I'm sorry, but just a peek for you.
Okay, and I hate to bring up anything related to current events, but I'm afraid it is filling my psyche today. Some of you are probably happy with the results of our election. I genuinely hope you are right, and that you see something in the man that I don't. On the other hand, I suspect many of you feel as I do: as if someone just set my hair on fire. It's going to take a day or two to adjust our expectations and decide how we're going to get through the next several years. Here's something I know: we only have to get through one day at a time. If a day is too long, get through it one hour at a time.
Mike and I decided this morning to take a break from news of any kind. As the repercussions affect our lives, we'll deal with it. We'll help others when we can. Mainly, it's going to be like hiking uphill. Head down, one foot in front of the other. Keep moving. Do not let despair rule the day, and do not let it paralyze you. Leaning on one another for support, we'll get through this. Face forward, my friends. Life goes on. We can do this together.
33 comments:
You simply have to put one foot in front of the other and keep going. Put blinders on and plow right ahead. ~ George Lucas
Thank you, Barbara! I always love following your slow stitching and quilting progress, but today your words about the election are helping, too. One day at a time, one step at a time. Have a good day! 🩷
Thank you for your words. 🩷🩷
I'm curious to see how that technique will work, and curious about what you are making. I know it will be fantastic, no matter what it is.
I'm very thankful to have one person that I trust, affirm (you, through your words) that I do belong in this world after all and am not suddenly an alien surrounded by strangers.
I am freaking terrified. One day at a time
Well said. One foot in front of the other. Thank you!
Great words Barbara. I know it will also affect us in the UK but there is nothing I can do except head up that hill!
I love all the things you do. I am on the same page regarding the future. I will try the one step at a time. At 84, I wish I didn't have to face this. I can hardly believe it. I will follow all my quilting blogs and try to hope for the best. Actually, I am afraid. How will this affect my healthcare coverage?
"an alien surrounded by strangers" says it all, Mary. I feel the same in my tiny blue dot in bright red SW Ohio. Barbara, you words strike a chord and help me resolve to get through this with hope and determination to do what I can for those who will suffer far more than I. Our grandchildren are counting on us.
All of the above for sure h, too. We are just moving on as best we can and hoping for the best for our grandchildren's futures...so sad. We must enjoy these last days of our country's democracy...
hugs and good thoughts, Julierose
My heart goes out to you and your country. I too am taking a detox from any news for a while. Sadly, we may be facing the same problems whenever our next election is announced, as the leader of the opposition party is of the same ilk that seems to be currently taking a hold of the entire world.
That is an interesting process and I'm so glad you showed it. I'm really curious now to see the end result. And yes - I'm also taking a major break from the news. And hopefully my "hair on fire" feeling will settle down. I'm disappointed and that's an understatement.
I John 5v19 comes to mind......take care of each other, Elle
Thank you, Barbara, not only for the detailed explanation of your art project, but also for your calming approach to the future. I am hoping for the best and trying to believe that we still have good people on both sides of the aisle who will rein in some of the outrageous rhetoric. Fingers crossed.
My Gram's favorite saying was "This too, shall pass". Amen.
I spent the day on the road, driving PDX traffic in wild violent rain storms, which seemed appropriate for my feelings.
A little dark chocolate for solace...mumbling this too shall pass...
I think I must go rake some leaves and cut the last roses and dahlias to cheer me. Be well and stitch on my friend!
Sending you and Mike a hug, and I know you're hugging me back. It will be up to us to try to care for those that won't be getting the help they need. Step by step. Your last paragraph helps. Dot in NC
Thank you for your words. I, too, am taking a break from news and late night shows. Putting my head down and take by it one day at a time. And quilting! Thank goodness for quilting.
Yes, my friend, our only choice is one step at a time, one day at a time.
I'm not taking a total break from the news: I'll be reading my subscription to the New York Times. There is solace in the comments sections.
BTW, I bought the Kindle version of the book.
Looks like an intriguing process you're doing for the latest challenge.
Your final two paragraphs are well said and I must admit I'm trying very hard not to follow the news at the moment (well, truthfully, I haven't much followed it since 9/11). Yes, head down and one foot in front of the other....for the entire world.
I hope you listened to her concession speech. I thought it was well done.
I was not prepared for the election results--still hard to believe. I was prepared for Stop the Steal and all that BS. The Dark Ages are upon us. But I appreciate your encouraging words and shared them with my sister.
I don’t recognize my country. I too feel like an alien, and like you and Mike, I’m taking a break from the news. The silver lining … more sewing time. I’ll make charity quilts and do kind things for others. Thanks to all of you for confirmation that I’m not alone. We’re all in this together.
I'm so glad to read the many comments, surely those of us who think
before we speak can have some calming effect in our communities.
I am sincerely frightened for our citizens in their 30's & 40's as they will surely carry the brunt of his actions these next 4 years. Thankfully he won't be able to serve longer than that. I do fear the radical people in our society have gained a leader.
I truly appreciate your words about persevering. Right now, I just can’t. As I am also blue (as are my friends and family) in a red state (Utah), I’m kinda-sorta accustomed to having my local vote get lost in a red wave. But the result of yesterday’s Presidential election has me totally gobsmacked. (What the actual F***, America?). I’ve been absolutely depressed. Have stopped watching news and even turned off my phone. Will someone wake me when this national nightmare is over?
And while we take one step at a time---breathe
Dorothy in W WA
Thank you! I will do what I can to help bring common sense back to our country. Your words help.
Your mosaic quilt looks like very challenging project, hopefully the new plan will work out much better. I like a challenge as long as it's not too frustrating. I spent a long time on the phone with my 25 year old daughter yesterday. We talked a lot about one day at a time and to not borrow trouble just yet. I'm still baffled, and like many, have decided news coverage is off the menu for a while.
Nicely put. hope for the best. Enjoying learning about the applique.
Barbara, my heart breaks for our country. Who are these Americans that can't see his prejudices, his lack of morals, his deceit, and criminal history? We had such a wonderful choice in Kamala who could give us back our rights and defend us with dignity. We must keep up the fight for doing good works, spreading kindness and speaking up when we are wronged. Thank God we have our sewing and fabric to ease our minds and frustrations. Yes, one foot in front of the other. <3
Reading all the comments makes me realize that I am not alone, though I still will feel like it for a long while. This USA is so confusing. Wonder how long it will take for them to realize that it doesn't get better, but way worse. Glad I'm as old as I am and won't have to be here much longer... won't be able to afford it anyway.
So glad for you comments and the wonderful quilts and embroidery. This is the only real thing I understand.
We were all in shock waking up to this horrible news, (I live in the Netherlands), the whole world will feel the negative influence the psychopath orange man will have. I feel your pain and wish you strength. One day at a time.
"fourth square from the left, third row." Reminds me of "forth star to the right and straight on till morning" from Peter Pan. It will be beautiful, surprising, difficult but well worth it. I know you enough to know that about what you create!
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