The Corona Virus and our New Normal

Would you have ever imagined that something like this could happen in this day and time?  I'm just shocked at what's going on around us.  The March retreats had to be cancelled and that still prays heavy on my heart.  But, it is more important that we keep everyone safe.

In an effort to 'selvage' ( thanks, Marge for the 'selvage' connection) our ability to stay connected, I've started The Featherweight Club forum.  You can sign up and join in posting and communicating about our featherweights, the projects that are keeping us sane during these troubling times, or just about anything else you'd like to chat about.  To register and be a part of the forum, go to www.jdquilts123.proboards.com.  Just click on the box that says to log in or register and follow the instructions.

There has been a plea for sewers to make medical masks out of fabric so I've posted the web address for a pattern designed by Mary Hogan on the new forum.  Go there and make of few of these.  We'll figure out how we're going to get these to the medical people that need them.  Maybe you already know of someone that needs some.  Check out the pattern, please.  ( these pictures aren't from Mary Hogan's instructions but you get the picture)

 

As for us, we are staying in, only going to dr appts and the grocery when necessary.  I don't remember when I've stayed home this long but hey, I'm getting some quilting done.  And, that's not all that bad.  The thing that really made me realize how important this is was something I read about Anne Frank staying hidden over 700 days to stay alive.  We can do this!  I know we can!

Texas was fun but I'm ready for FW stuff again!

We did have such a good time in Texas.  It was warm, I was able to go to a quilt retreat planned by somebody else, we went fishing and I got to cook with my dear son.  Life doesn't get any better than that, right?

One thing that I really enjoyed was going to the market with my son.  The prices for fresh fruits and veggies was awesome and I sure did enjoy my shopping at Letty's.  Okay,  I had to take a picture of the sign.  Letty is one of our great FW gals so I couldn't resist taking this picture of the Letty's sign.

We got back to Michigan a few days before the big snow but my car handled the white stuff just fine and I got things done that I needed to do.  There's always so much to do after a month long trip.

But, now that we're back,  I have some things to remind you about and some wonderful news to report as well.

Our great friend, Kathy Seals and owner of the Quilt Patch where we hang out for classes and such, is happy to announce that her fight with cancer these last few months is over and done with.  And, Kathy won.  She is doing great.  She's so excited to be feeling better and she is really in shock over the kindness of the FW Club gals who treated her and her hubby to a dinner out every month while she was in recovery.  You all are the kindest gals on earth.  She wants you to know that.

The FW Club classes will start back up this month.  We will be having classes either Friday, March 13 or Sunday, March 15.  Please call and get your name on the list (Quilt Patch- 517-423-0053) if you haven't done that already.  Having a count really helps me so I'll have enough handouts printed up.  You don't have to pay until you come to class so don't let that stop you.  Have you been collecting your selvages?  I hope you have a big pile of them because we're going to make a selvage block at this class.  Go over to the class schedule tab to see what you'll need to bring.

There will be a couple of FW maintenance classes coming up soon as well.  I have one scheduled for March 17 and one on April 18.  If you know of someone that needs to learn how to oil, grease, lube and clean up their FW, let them know.  Again, call to get your name on the list.

And, our FW retreat/workshops are coming up really soon, too.  I plan on getting an email off to all the participants this week.  If you need to pay the balance of your retreat fee, you can pay that at one of the FW club classes or mail a check to me.  Thanks to you that have paid in full already.  Watch for your email this week and check your spam, just in case!  Of course, if you have any questions, just email me.

Okay, we're getting ready to set up at the Jackson flea market this weekend.  It's a lot of work but I sure do love seeing those that show up.  There are some good vendors and always some fun things to see.

I hope to see you all at FW Club classes, a maintenance class, or maybe at the retreat/workshop.  Do enjoy the nice weather we've been having.  I think Spring is just around the corner.