At first people refuse to believe that a strange new thing can be done, then they begin to hope it can be done, then they see it can be done- then it is done and all the world wonders why it was not done centuries ago.
The Secret Garden, Frances Hodgson Burnett, 1911.
Strength - 16” x 16”
A person in an abusive relationship can show great strength.
It takes great strength to survive each day with an abuser.
It takes great strength to move forward and make a plan, or to stand up to one’s abuser.
It takes great strength to speak one’s truth, often reliving past traumas to be heard.
It takes great strength to keep on with one’s life and move forward when others don’t believe you when you speak up.
Ten million Americans experience domestic abuse every year. Ten million. Someone I love and care about is a victim of abuse and has been for over twenty years. Odds are you or someone you know is a victim as well. I have learned a lot about domestic abuse over the last two decades and the number one fact I have learned is that most incidents are never reported. Ten million people every year and that number doesn't reflect the full scope of abuse in the US, as many people aren't able to safely share and report their stories. I am a doer. I like to make and fix things. Sadly, I cannot fix things for the person in my life who is being abused. But, I can speak up. And I can sew. And hopefully I can make a difference. (Statistics from the CDC)
Domestic violence knows knows no boundaries when it comes to race/gender/sexuality/age/socioeconomic status/geographic location/culture.
Remember, it affects ten million in the US every year. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, please know that the folks at the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1 800 799 SAFE or thehotline.org) are ready to listen and support you, as well as refer you to a local program or organization. If you observe someone being abused, you can also call the hotline. A good samaritan call can save a life.
See all of the Domestic Abuse Quilts here.
I recently had a group of students come for a week long workshop/retreat on tiny piecing.
The participants rented a local house for the week and had studio time each day.
Here’s a sampling of their work partway through the week.
We had a great time and I’m working up a few other retreat theme ideas for the future.
Contact me if you are interested in booking a retreat for yourself and a few friends.
I had a lovely week at Holly Girls Quilt Retreat. This year’s theme was “Trip Around the World.” Of course, I had to make mine from one inch cut squares.
I had my usual spot with a view of Elk Lake. Using a layout from an antique quilt I arranged all of my squares of Oakshott cotton and prepared to piece it together.
I pieced the quilt into nine smaller parts before putting it all together.
I had an organized system of making little fourpatches and keeping them in order. By making fourpatches first I could get all of the seams to twirl as shown in my tutorial.
I love the finished look of these tiny little Oakshott cotton squares.
The back has an interesting look too. Since the squares finish at 1/2 inch, the seems meet each other when pressed.
I loved this technique and kinda want to make another one. I’m planning to quilt this one in the ditch to avoid interrupting the flow of color between the squares.
I worked on a couple of other projects at retreat so stay tuned for those.
Knowledge will not always take the place of simple observation.
"The Elephant and His Son," Fables, Arnold Lobel, 1980.
I offered one week of sewing camp this summer and I was delighted with this group of campers. They made pillow cases, draw string backpacks, and pj pants. In the photo below they are cutting out their pj pants.
They were pretty efficient at getting the projects finished so we had time on the last day to try some embroidery stitches.
The barn works very well for camp. Early in the week we used this wagon for cutting, pinning, and pressing. The last day it was a great gathering spot for learning embroidery.
I have five featherweights set up in the barn and each of the campers claims a sewing spot for the week.
They were all pleased with their finished projects. I even saw a few of their items with ribbons on them at the community fair!
Well, here we are on the first day of school. Who knew summer was going to be so busy. Well, I guess I should have known. I did manage to squeeze in two sewing days last week. I got this sawtooth postage stamp quilt top put together!
Next, I pulled out this years old WIP. I am 'this close' to having the strips finished and getting the top together. It will be a simple design with red in between the applique strips.
“Such bees! Bilbo had never seen anything like them.
"If one were to sting me," He thought "I should swell up as big as I am!”
The Hobbit, J. R. R. Tolkien, 1937.
"Now we have no more cookies to eat," said Toad sadly. "Not even one."
"Yes," said Frog, "but we have lots and lots of will power."
"You may keep it all, Frog," said Toad, "I'm going home now to bake a cake."
Frog and Toad Together, Arnold Lobel, 1971.
Instagram Photos
