Tuesday, November 1, 2022

Coming back slowly

 Hi all. I hope you're all doing well! First, thanks so much for all your comments, notes, and emails about my mom's death. It's been a hard couple of weeks, and I didn't have the energy to respond to everyone individually, but I do appreciate you all.

As anyone who has experienced this knows, time takes on a different meaning in the immediate aftermath, but I'm starting to re-engage with the world again. One major step is getting back into the sewing room and starting back on my projects. I worked on a few things, including being a good grandma and making a fleece monkey costume for a certain tiny person, but what's really gotten me back are these blocks:
 
 
Wow, they do look good.  I thought I was fooling myself when I made them. Those petals in the block on the left are pieced, not appliqued, just so you know. These are blocks from the Solstice Sampler at Alderwood Studio. They're a little modern, so I wasn't sure about them, but they turned out to be soothing to make. 


The original sampler is shown in fall colors, but I chose to use these woodsy-ish batiks that were just sitting on the shelf. I don't use batiks very much, but I don't know why. They are great fabrics, very stable, and seldom run. And look at those colors! The only thing I don't really like is that some of them can get muddy when it comes to pattern, but I can deal with that. I may have to expand that section of the fabric shelves. (After I use a bunch more fabric, because I'm committed to keeping it small.)
 
 
These blocks are fairly complex so far, which I like, and they're soothing for me because they give me something else to think about. I actually have to concentrate on these, which is giving my brain a rest from everything else. I do feel guilty about neglecting other projects, though. But if you don't feel guilty about that, are you really a quilter?
 
 
These blocks are a whopping 18 inches, but see all those stripes? They finish at a half inch wide. And those dots are water spots from the grass, not flaws in the fabrics. I'm really enjoying the complex piecing, and I am learning new things, like don't try to piece a WOF section of 1 inch strips, because they will curve all over the place. Next up are some half-rectangle triangles, which should be a challenge. But really, check out these seams:
 
 
So there we are, back to the sewing room and making something nice. You can still join in if you're interested! Just jump over HERE and  get started. This week I'm going to try to work some more on my RSC projects, too. The medallion top is so, so close, and it might be a nice feeling to get it done.


Hope you're all doing well, and thanks again for all your support! It really did make a difference to me. 

Sharing at Midweek Makers.

13 comments:

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

the blocks are beautiful and the fabric you show so pretty. It takes time and we all deal with grief in different ways and different time frames -

Quiltdivajulie said...

Stitching helps us cope with the challenges in life - I know this to be true because it has saved me from sinking more than once. Stitch on and take care of yourself!

Ivani said...

So happy to hear from you.
Your blocks are beautiful. Take care of yourself.

Bernie Kringel said...

Ah, these are beautiful blocks Mari - great colors and such pretty batiks. I am drawn to those narrow stripes. Such a great block. Enjoy your stitching, let yourself be distracted. I think it is a good way to heal and rest your mind.

Susie H said...

Good job on your blocks. Sewing is meditative and good for soul.

Kate said...

Stitching is pretty good therapy. You made good use of your efforts. Hang in there.

Laura said...

Those batiks are gorgeous, and the big blocks are a great way to show them! Take your time and let the serenity of stitching give you the respite that you need. Take care of yourself! :)

piecefulwendy said...

I'm glad that you are just taking it slow, and allowing yourself to work through things. Having an intricate block to construct is a great idea, just like you said, for the distraction it brings. Both of your blocks are so pretty in those fabrics. I went to the link, and I'm tempted to join in, but need to think about what else I have going on first.

Home Sewn By Us said...

Hi Mari! Beautiful fabrics and inspiration for your Solstice Sampler project. It seems that is just the ticket to give yourself a diversion. I hope you can be kind to yourself. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. No other loss ever hit me so hard, and 10 years later it still does. At random moments the loss is so deep that you wonder if you'll ever move on. But you will, and you'll smile again, and be grateful that you had a wonderful woman raise you. {{Hugs}} a bunch. I wish I could deliver them in person. ~smile~ Roseanne

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

So glad to see your post, Mari! Those are beautiful blocks, and look like the perfect thing to take your mind somewhere else for awhile. Take care of yourself. Hugs!

Tammy said...

I love these blocks!! Thank you for including the site for the Solstice Sampler. It is beautiful.

Susan said...

Pretty blocks - love the color scheme your using

Bonnie said...

Many hugs -- they help a lot also. Wait, no picture of the monkey suit? (Sounds like it might be a really cute costume...) WOW on your blocks. They look wonderful. And, enjoyed your thoughts on batiks. I don't think to use mine often and I seldom buy them yet I have quite a stack of them. Perhaps I should check out that stack and find something to make with them. (Hold on there, do I want [need] to start a UFO assuming that is where it would end up?) Take care of yourself and continue to take time in your studio.