Even the Cutting Counts! (Zoom Meet!)

There are some moments just perfect for cutting -

But not sewing.

And that's okay!  Because sitting at a machine (I can stand at a computer, but can't stand at a machine, don't ask me why!) causes all of those nasty back problems that I have been working for months to solve between chiropractic and medical massage appointments.

We are finally making progress - but the main culprit is sitting!  And I need to strengthen my abs to help support my back from the inside of my spine, not just the obvious back side.

It's all about balance - and isn't that what we are always working toward?

I try to stand to press (unless I'm doing paper piecing or something tiny where you press each and every seam as you go) and stand and cut so I am using different muscles.

What you see here is a growing pile of half-square triangles that I am cutting from strips while I talk to my dad in the evenings.

This basket also holds some blue and neutral strips I pulled out of the scrap user's system "everything in it" drawer here in the cabin studio.

I am also pulling in some pretty wiled "barely neutrals" with bigger, busier and more colorful prints to put them to good use.

This is a project you'll see growing over a LONG WHILE - as my Easy Breeze Leader & Ender quilt is finished, and our next Leader & Ender challenge doesn't happen until July - I'll be using these half-square triangle pairs as Leaders & Enders until we get to that point.

I'm not worried about blocks yet - I just need about a trillion and a half blue/neutral half-square triangle units on hand before I can really get going.

Once I empty that basket - I'll start working through the strips - with a focus on variety, using up the shortest strips and finding places for the lesser used "prints with a lot going on" to also find a purpose.

I love a good blue and white quilt, I've made several in my lifetime as a quilter and I keep coming back to the two-color quilts as favorites.

*NOTE*  Because someone is going to reprimand me for keeping fabric in plastic - these bags are not closed all the way.  There is about a 4'' space at the top where the zip strip isn't closed.  It is enough to allow air to circulate - and I am in and out of these bags all of the time so there is no fear of rot, mildew, mold or moisture. Thank you.

Yesterday's stop along the New River!

Doesn't this photo carry on with the blue/white theme?

Errand days can sometimes take the WHOLE DAY here - especially when it is more than an hour's drive to "real civilization."  I like it that way.

But boy, what a difference in elevation and temperature that voyage can make - it's eye opening!

It was a brisk 26ﾟ when I left Virginia for Winston-Salem. By the time I reached Wilkesboro an hour later temps were barely reaching into the 40s.

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On my way back the car thermometer read 52 as I left Winston, 42 as I reached Wilkesboro once again, and 29 as I made it back up to the cabin.

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This is all within 100 miles! I am back to the land of freezing feet. ⁣ 

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I stopped to take this photo at the New River off of highway 16 out of Jefferson, North Carolina. ⁣

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The floating ice should give you an idea of just how cold we are up here!

There is a lot to say about the bright blue skies and sunshine, though! Beautiful! I enjoyed a day of driving in that gorgeous sunshine, audio book playing.

And, oh yes! The Iowa Quilt Museum Zoom meet from the other day was posted!

Click to Play:

We really did have a great time, and I am hopeful I will be able to participate again in the future.

It was a major achievement with my crappy internet!  

Remember, there will be another one this coming Tuesday at noon central. Check the Iowa Quilt Museum website for more details.

Some fun Grassy Creek sharing!

I have loved seeing all of the finishes coming to fruition - each quilt is SO BEAUTIFUL!

This morning I thought I'd share a Grassy Creek block of a different variety - a BARN QUILT!

Kathryn G says:

"A friend offered to make me a barn square of any pattern. I picked a Grassy Creek square and made her a lap sized quilt in trade. Isn’t that cool! Two happy ladies! We’re dressed for volunteering at our local arboretum—explains the boots. Wood County Arboretum in Quitman, Texas. A beautiful sunny day for outside work."

I lived near Quitman Texas for a year and absolutely love the area and the people there - and I am jealous of the "Work outside, spring in full garden mode!" weather they are having.

Oh yes, I have on my boots too - but they are more for battling the snow that continues to hang around!

I also love the idea of this beautiful trade between friends - Kathryn, when you get that barn quilt hanging, I hope you'll post a photo!

Today my plan is to be at my desk - it's a writing day.  That means my Pandora will likely be playing the Stephen Bennett channel (instrumental guitar) in the background, with a yummy candle burning and a hot steaming mug of something at my side.

And likely Lola in my lap!

This week is quickly flying by - weekend right around the corner! 

Quiltville Quote of the Day -

Vintage string quilt found in North Carolina. 

These are my guidelines for a fulfilling life. 

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Yes, life can still be fulfilling even in these very weird times we find ourselves living through right now. 

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What are these things compelling you to do today?

Whatever you get up to - have a GREAT day!