I didn't sew yet.
Not by machine yet.
And I've been home for over a week.
NO......that's not really true, because I did have to make some units and take photos of some units while writing up future mystery post releases, but that wasn't really piecing on something coming together.
It was just pieces and parts and step-out photos to go along with computer drawn graphics.
All the while this has been laying out on my "design floor" just waiting for me to get back to it.
After spending most of yesterday doing all of that computer stuff, I had some time before I needed to get home.
A few days ago a friend brought me a box of scraps she had saved for me, and I took that time to go through what was in there.
What she brought increased my variety in a couple of my string bins with happy fabrics. There will be another string project in my near future, but in the meantime....
There were a few pieces of red that I carefully pressed and cut into squares to go into the project shown on my floor above.
Now her fabrics will combine with mine and wind up in something beautiful that we both gave something to.
I have to admit I've been having a very rough time over the past couple of weeks. Longer than that, really - I felt a sense of panic over the loss of my sew-jo during the summer as well.
The last few years have been a constant "What next" and things like Russia attempting to take over Ukraine, and the war between Israel and Gaza and things going on in other parts of the world that I have ZERO control over. It just feels so heavy and like too much.
Add into that a terrible hurricane that nearly took my husband's life. All of the destruction from the hurricane from Florida to Georgia to South Carolina to North Carolina and up into Virginia and Tennessee.
It feels like just too much.
And then add in my fear for our country. I don't care which "side" you are on, but the way of hate and othering has taken control and every morning I wake up with dread.
I was sharing my fears with a quilting friend over losing my desire to design and sew and received the best message I could in reply:
Now before anyone jumps on me for making this post "political" let me just emphasize that this applies to ANYTHING that threatens to steal your joy and love of what you do.
It could be family problems. It could be illness. It could be the loss of a job. It could be the death of a loved one. Whatever is going on in our lives - we can't let it extinguish our joy or the darkness, the sadness, the despair, the depression wins.
Makers push through grief with our creativity.
And that is why mystery season is so important to all of us. We are all facing something that others know nothing about.
And I am asking - no begging - everyone to just be aware, and over everything BE KIND. And that means to yourself, too.
And if you are feeling a bit under...please hit up my Quiltville's Open Studio Group on Facebook and scroll through the many, many posts of folks sharing all of their past mystery finishes and other Quiltville quilts....
To those who have shared your photos - THANK YOU! It's been a balm to my soul.
Zoey by the morning fire -
I'm not sure if I'll be sitting at my machine today or not. But the possibility is there.
Your excitement over Moonflower has blown my mind! Thank you so much!
It was so fun to make, and I can just imagine it in so many different color plans -
I'll be drawing for 2 winners who will each receive a Moonflower PDF pattern from me, and a Moonflower cotton roll from Cotton to Quilts.
And don't forget to check out their neutral rolls as well - I love the variety in these cotton rolls!
We'll be drawing for those winners on Monday, 11/25/24.
Get your entry in on the Gift-Away Post.
And yes, there is introductory pricing!
The PDF pattern for Moonflower is currently 25% off in the Quiltville Store, no coupon code needed.
Rulers, notions and tools are also 15% off using code NOTIONS at checkout to receive discount.
To use a coupon code - click REDEEM YOUR COUPON beneath the the total in the shopping cart. Enter the coupon code in the box that opens up. Click enter.
*NOTE* You need to put the code in BEFORE you click to your payment method for discount coupon to be applied.
International Customers Purchasing PDF Patterns: Do not use the BUY NOW button on the pattern page to check out with autofill. Place the item in your shopping cart and then go to the cart page to check out choosing either your credit card option or Paypal. Shipping addresses should not apply as this is a digital pattern purchase. I don't know why it works this way, but it does.
And since we are headed into the holidays (And holiday sewing as well!)
I've also placed a 25% discount on Pine Tree Point. Price good through 12/15/24.
This quilt reminds me of all of the Christmas Tree trucks I see daily - pulling their tree harvest up and down these mountain roads, eventually to wind up in people's homes to become Christmas memories.
If you have one started from last year - why not pull it out and get going on it again? It's the perfect time!
I think that covers it for this morning!
Quiltville Quote of the Day -
No matter what you believe, the only thing that makes green beans palatable in my world is the Southern way of cooking with bacon!
Have a wonderful Wednesday, everyone -
Your picture of Zoey was the balm for my soul this morning. I lost my dog a little more than a year ago. Tucker looked a lot like Zoey. My dogs have always been able to put my troubled heart in a healthier place and lift my spirits, so thank you for sharing the picture of Zoey this morning.
ReplyDeleteYou are not alone in your worries about things that we individually have no control over. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I'm trying to live by: I will not let them take away my capacity for joy. I really appreciate that you are calling out that these are hard and scary times. Love to all the makers. Sandy W.
ReplyDeleteThank you Bonnie. I too have lost my sew-jo since August. I will read and re-read what you have written. Perhaps I should look at a pattern or some fabric today.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your thoughts, Bonnie. I am glad your husband is improving and hope that you can find some peace, maybe in your upcoming trip.
ReplyDeleteFor now I will be kind and quilt on!
And yes to the bacon.
Thank you for that battle cry to quilt more quilts. At least, that is what I am going with.
ReplyDeleteThank you for all your words.
ReplyDeleteOh Bonnie- you care so much and take on so much burden; your friend is right. We must keep on with what we love to do, and help our part of the world to enjoy beautiful things. Actually, we makers have an important part to play everywhere. Think of the thousands of quilts sent around the world just this year to give people a glimmer of love! What we do is important. Take care.
ReplyDeleteWhen a disaster strikes it gives me such comfort to know I have done my little part by giving quilts I have lovingly made. My quilts have traveled the world to those in need and I thank God for the gift of sewing.
DeleteYes, and Yes , and Yes. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you Bonnie, quilt on!!!
ReplyDeleteBonnie, I so agree with you! Sometimes life just seems to get in the way and blocks my mind. It has been hard to quilt lately but I have forced myself into the quilt/sewing room. One thing I did was decide to give 8 of my nieces and nephews quilt gifts. Six got quilts and 2 already had quilts so they got other gifts. One couple got pillows to go with their quilt and the other got a Christmas wall hanging. And in late October my husband and I delivered those gifts to all in New Mexico, Colorado and Arizona. It gave me great joy to watch them pick the one they liked best.
ReplyDeleteAnd now I am making a donation quilt from orphan blocks. I can quilt again and the next project is Christmas placemats for my family.
Yes I will worry but The outside world is not going to win.
Beverly
I am pushing myself to be positive and in the moment. Chose joy. Yesterday I was able to sew some scraps strips into rows for a coin quilt. Small progress but moving forward.
ReplyDeleteYour post this morning resonates with me. I finally found my joy in quilting after almost a year of non creativity. My time has been mostly spent helping my MIL keep on sewing even with macular degeneration. Lately I have felt a need to finish up some projects of my own. Keep on giving, your heart is huge and we all appreciate what you do for the quilting community.
ReplyDeleteI too am overwhelmed lately and going into a very busy couple of weeks as you know. I am spending a few minutes each evening to sew a bit or doing some embroidery. It also helps to listen to an audio book to concentrate on something else while I work. Hugs Bonnie! Today is a new day! Go for it! ❤️
ReplyDeleteThank you for your insight and post of feelings! I too use my quilting and creativity to deal with the stress of life. I am so grateful for your gifts to shed light during difficult times. Bless you and all others as we journey over this wonderful world to create and share gifts of light!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. I think so many of us are grieving now due to the same or some other reason. I agree that we just need to spread love and gratitude everywhere and I find this in you and my quilt community.
ReplyDeleteDebbie Kroll
What great words to share. I am focused on making my small community safe and happy and trying to enlarge it one by one. I figure that is how we "take over the world". Do the work, spread the kindness. Thank you for all you do.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your comments and help this morning. I've been struggling to find my way back to sewing and it's been difficult. I lost it after hurricane Harvey directly hit our little town back in 2017 but I did find my way back after that. This year has been different somehow. I pulled everything up and out of the way of Beryl and she didn't even come near us. I will be going back to re-organizing my room so I can find fabrics for this upcoming mystery quilt - it will be a BIG help! Thank you for the morning peace every day of your fabrics and wonderful critters!
ReplyDeleteI really like the quilt in progress on your "design floor". It will be striking in any colorway! Not sure of its name, but it looks like rubies....or precious gems! Safe travels!
ReplyDeleteSmall things add up…do small things that you have control over….eventually, and who knows when …kindness, charity, joy and love will win
ReplyDeleteYou and your friend are right we need to keep pushing on to do what we live and not let the darkness consume us.It is hard some days when all I want to to do is curl up in ball and stay in bed.But I don't I find something to do each day that I enjoy quilting,hand work , learning something new or baking , whatever it takes .Bonnie thank you for all you do ,you are such an inspiration and help us to keep pushing on.
ReplyDeleteI've been feeling the same way over the past year it has gotten more worrisome and I'm not as happy as I used to be. The world is a scary place and a very uncertain place. It has pit family against family and some of us are more concerned about all the events more than others,
ReplyDeletePeople might not like it, but it's a political world. I've been rage and despair sewing for two weeks now. (Only two weeks? it seems like years.)
ReplyDeleteSmall acts matter…..we don’t have control over the big things but we do have control over small actions in-our life. And I sincerely believe eventually…and who knows how long that will be…kindness, charity, love and joy will conquer. At 76 yrs of age, I can’t give anyone 4 years of my life. Judith oswald
ReplyDeleteThank you for expressing this Bonnie! I'm struggling mightily also but have decided to do Starowka to keep myself going.
ReplyDeleteI had to look up Starowka. Thank you. I thought it was me that was upset by world events. I will take onboard all the good thoughts. Thank you ladies, knowing I’m not alone in this. kerryn
DeleteI had to look up Starowka, thank you. I too am thinking about this world environment and all that comes with it. I thought I was one of a few thinking like this. I see thanks to Bonnie there are so many more. Thank you everyone. I now will endeavour to keep a happier face on this as I now know so many more of us feel this. Kerryn
DeleteI feel all of this. Between caring for my mom on dialysis to finding out my Aunt is on palliative care, it's too much. I have a few friends having babies in the next few months. I am trying to work every night on a baby quilt. Some nights I get a lot done and other nights not so much. I am giving myself Grace. It all gets done eventually. My Aunt is a sewist and she would want me to keep going.
ReplyDeleteYes a lot of things are wrong in this old world of ours. I just calming myself with the saying “God is still in control”.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, Bonnie. I hear you, see you and feel your anxiety and the weight on you. We must seek the light to be the light. We must do what we can, how we can, as we can.
ReplyDeleteFor you it’s designing, teaching and sewing. It’s hosting quilters and it’s showing us the delights of SW VA. It’s also being loved by family and friends.
I lost my dad the end of August, and had a health scare a month later. I was anxious about the state of our nation. I didn’t sew for a month and it was like someone had snuffed something out. I am working on another quilt while waiting for Friday’s first clue. You (along with Karen Montgomery and Deb Heatherly) have taught me so many skills that make my piecing more consistent and have built my confidence. Thank you. May you find joy and hope in the little miracles each day as I do.
You are loved, by those who know you and even by those who you may never meet, for who you are and what you share with us.
Thank you so very much for this post Bonnie. I’ve been stuck since June. I’m only making things that offer instant gratification, like coiled rope bowls. I go to bed at night with a million ideas of what I will make in the morning, but in the morning I just can’t seem to get the sewjo going. It helps to know I’m not suffering alone.
ReplyDeleteA wise woman once posted ... "Happiness isn't always getting what you want, it's appreciating what you have been given." Really like the red and cream -- looking forward to the finish. PattiK
ReplyDeleteWell said - - -
ReplyDeleteI'm with you Bonnie! Love your quote of the day.
ReplyDeleteSuzanne
Thank you for your thoughtfulness. You are so real! You really hit the nail on the head for me today.
ReplyDeleteMy sew-jo was on hold for almost six months while I went through four eye surgeries from the end of June to the end of September. I am just now getting back to being able to focus well enough to do a hand applique project I had started before the surgeries. Threading a needle had become impossible and it is now, so I am grateful for that. It's the little things, because they are the big things! I am looking forward to doing the mystery, too. I was on the fence, thinking I might sit this one out, but, when I saw the colours, I decided I'd jump in. Thanks, Bonnie, for being an inspiration!
ReplyDeleteI haven’t sewn as much lately either. Just a couple Christmas gifts. I’ve leaned more toward my other hobby of crochet. It’s easier to take with me. I’ve been doing a lot of crochet prayer shawls to donate to our local hospice. It gives me a good feeling. I’ve never signed up for Facebook, but had been able to look at open public pages like yours and Open Studio. Now FB has changed something so I can only view a couple posts at the top of the page. Not sure if it’s not just my devices of what. Thanks for the words of encouragement! Sue
ReplyDeleteI go to my sewing room when the world gets crazy. At least in there, what I put together usually stays together-unless I have to take a misplaced piece out to put it in it's proper place.
ReplyDeleteBonnie....
ReplyDeleteYou are so precious and I love you and your "spirit"!
I've been focusing on "Keep it simple".
May God bless you, Bonnie, in "special" ways.
Bonnie, I share your same concerns. Sleep has been elusive for several weeks. I’ve realized there is nothing I can do on the ‘big stage’ but there is so much I can do on ‘my stage’. I smile at everyone I can make eye contact with. I try to say something kind to a stranger everyday. I pray everyday for Ukraine, Gaza and those living in war zones. I’ve also decided that news of any kind is toxic. So I am proud to say I am 2 weeks sober of cable news. It’s a good feeling.
ReplyDeletePositive Thoughts - Everyday! Thank you for sharing & giving me Hope. Do what you can do, Breathe. I try everyday not to be overwhelmed by the world. It is hard & your Positivity helps.
ReplyDeleteI needed this today…. Major problem with family members always hurts me to the core - but maybe that is what they want — I will heed your suggestion - get back on my quilt and get on with my life. Thank you, God bless you, have a wonderful day. Thanks again 🫂
ReplyDeleteKindness and caring are not innate but are taught by example. Thank you for the example you give to others.
ReplyDeleteBonnie I love the gift you give me everyday your blog, your thoughts, your ideas, your pictures, I feel like I've known you for years. You give me the excitement I need to walk into my sewing room and want to be creative. I understand and I'm sure there are others who do also that life sometimes is a lot to handle. We take care of families first and ourselves last It's ok to step back and just take a break. 💗
ReplyDeleteAt times we all need a reset. Give yourself permission to find a new/different Bonnie Hunter. Take these next couple of weeks to think about what you could change. Maybe a different style, like landscape or applique or lage pieces with free motion quilting. I went through a period a few years ago when I just couldn't face sewing at all. I went to counted cross stitch, which led to using my cross stitch in quilts, which has led to landscape. Have a wonderful time in England and working on hexies.
ReplyDeleteThank you, feels so good to know many of us are listening to you and feel so much better.
ReplyDeleteYou have a very wise friend. Such timely thoughts you share with us all. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteLet go of the worries about what is going on in other parts of the world. God's got everything in control. He's been working on this for eternity. His Master Plan is in play, and they don't win. They're in checkmate mode, and don't even know it. So, just sit back and watch it play out, knowing that everything is going to end up okay. That's what we believers in God's Word know, and don't let them steal our joy. No fear here.
ReplyDeleteRhonda
About 9 years ago, as I was approaching age 60, I spent some time thinking (not over thinking) and decided that I can only control my thoughts and actions. Sounds simple! But oh, so hard. Just harder today when opinions are shared all over the place.
ReplyDeleteYou have such a wise friend. Such timely words you share. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post, Bonnie. I am feeling the same way, but thought it was just me.
ReplyDeleteUsually, sewing is my "reward" for other hard work during the day and helps me refocus if I've had a hard day. I've had a hard time feeling the sewing mojo, too, but this post encourages me to sit down and sew in spite of my funk.
I have a quilt I'm making to donate to a charity auction as well as a few Quilts of Valor. I will focus on the positive aspects of that.
I usually don’t take time to write reply. But I recently lost my daughter, devastating! And I totally understand the loss of mojo. Thank you so much for this post. It is coming at the right time. I love quilting and it is where I need to go more now more than ever, your the best Bonnie.
ReplyDeleteOh, Bonnie, you have stated my feelings of despair so clearly. Yes, I do believe my sewing is my key to sanity. Thank you for all you do. Burying myself in the mystery will help me survive this troubling time.
ReplyDeleteI have never lived in the South, but I am the byproduct of two southerners. I agree that green beans made with bacon, southern style, are the absolute best.
ReplyDeleteYes, always be kind. I would love to join Zoey by the fire. It is so warm and inviting especially with that adorable fur baby! Hugs Bonnie! Keep doing what you do, I appreciate you!
ReplyDeleteI love what your friend said. I feel as you do but keep pushing on. Piecing has been my therapy big time for the past several months. Kathy
ReplyDeleteWe all get it. Our worries might not be the same. Quilting is my balm and stitching those worries away helps when friends are doing it together. The weeks fly by. Only 5 weeks until Christmas. Love that mystery time helps so many. Love seeing all the color choices on Quiltville Open Studio. I'm going to live vicariously through you on this trip to England and your visit to HIghclaire Estate. You matter to us all. Take good care and worry less, Sew more.
ReplyDeleteI think your quote from yesterday about looking for the helpers applies here too. I've been depressed and worried about the future since the election, too. I felt I did the one thing I could do - vote - but beyond that, it's out of my control. I don't like the thought of living in "damage control" mode now. I'm having a really hard time thinking positively about the future, especially when I hear daily news of who will be heading up this-or-that department and making up the new rules. But... I know I'm not alone. I know there are still good people in the world, people who feel the same way I do. We have no control over events now, which is scary. I hear drums. I don't know why so many others couldn't hear those before voting. Where are our values, as a country? Not exemplified by the people now wielding the power, I hope. I don't expect you to publish this comment, as it's pretty political. Just wanted you to know that I appreciated your post today, and that you're not the only one feeling the despair. Where is Mister Rogers when we need him most?? I sure could use a handmade sweater and a hug. Maybe a visit to Make-Believe too. Who wants to join me? (Leaving this Anonymous)
ReplyDeletePicture of Zoey in front of the fireplace = Pure Joy
ReplyDeleteAMEN!! Bonnie, you're like a friend that I haven't met in person but know so well. 23 and 24 have been tough years for so many people. You are a breath of fresh air to many. Your life events make you so much more sister-like to many of us. We feel your lack of sew jo often too. Scarlett O Hara said it well, "Tomorrow is another day!" Hugs and sew on!
ReplyDeletethank you for everything - I'm just trying to put one foot forward each day and I value the kindness shared by quilters and other needleworkers
ReplyDeleteI usually don’t comment. But thank you so much for today’s post. We recently lost our daughter and we are experiencing a lot of firsts. The pain rolls in on each event. Yes I love quilting, it’s my happy place but I have definitely been struggling trying to settle back into it. I try to do some each day and it is getting better.
ReplyDeleteToday s comments really help especially since so much seems to be happing. I totally understand the overwhelming feelings. Glad your world is righting itself. Mine will get there I’m sure. Kindness always! Karan M.
Bonnie I needed your post today.
ReplyDeleteAgree with you! Saw this- hope it helps
ReplyDeleteDONT GIVE UP ON THIS YEAR KEEP FIGHTING FOR THE GOOD KEEP SHOWING UP
KEEP LOVING
KEEP GIVING BACK.
KEEP BEING KIND.
KEEP BEING BRAVE.
KEEP CARING.
KEEP TRYING NEW THINGS KEEP SHOWING GRACE.
KEEP ON.
THIS WORLD NEEDS YOU TO BELIEVE IN THE GOOD.
Carol G
Thank you, Bonnie, your comments brought tears, and you are so sew right. I've had to step away from commentators, which pushes me toward sewing, thankful for you and other quilters, we really do have healing powers. Safe and fun travels, hugs to Zoey. Happy Thanksgiving to all.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your heartfelt post, Bonnie! May we all find peace in our daily lives - and in our making.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post - expresses what many of us are feeling about the world. It isn't political, it's personal for all of us. I went through a very long time of great stress, and finally I've found my way back to being creative with fabric. And yes a lot of the stresses are still there, and they're not winning. Take Good Care
ReplyDeleteSometimes it is really good for the soul and mind to have a complete break from the news. Without knowing what’s happening out there it gives you sauce to be in the moment here. Try it for a week. You soon realize all that out there rolls on without you - but the here now in the present is yours to guide.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this important reminder. Finding a bit of joy each day is so important…even if it is a piece of bacon or chocolate. I keep a ridiculous number of UFOs going because I don’t always want to think because my brain is too tired from surviving life.
ReplyDeleteAmy in NJ
Hi Bonnie; another thing that is a balm to my soul is your friends that stopped by on their way to get Christmas trees and you showed us the gifts that were collected for the children that lost everything. The helpers are real... if the only thing we can afford to share with others is a smile! So be it! To be honest I'm not much of a quilter, but I Love Your Blog! I have been reading it for almost as long as you have been writing it. Your creativeness is also a balm... change it up if need be... take time for yourself... read a book, a magazine... watch a movie... do something for you or find someone to serve (that is one thing I have found that brings back my creative juices). Helping others is really a great feeling.... maybe just a note to tell them you are thinking of them. Might be just what "they" need and in the process, makes you feel good too. Take care, be safe and know that you are loved! Jean
ReplyDeleteAmen to all you said. It's a keeper. So sad that you have to qualify it to keep out the negative comments.
ReplyDeleteOh Bonnie, i have learned we don’t have to share beliefs to appreciate people. Your words hit home to me today. I have been helping to take care of my parents for the last 7 years. Recently i have lost both in a short amount of time. Keeping the sewing mojo going has been hard. But it is so true what you said about quilting. It calms the soul. It fills our bucket. It gives peace to our hearts. We can do hard things! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteSending you a hug! I hope you know how many people you've had a positive impact on. I really enjoy reading your blog and hearing about the quilt groups who come to the inn. It is not an easy time for lots of reasons, and it can be hard to find and feel hope. When I feel paralyzed by everything, I try to take a single positive step, even if it's just a tiny one: sew a single seam, or pet the fabric, or just look at the scraps in my Scrap User's system. Wishing you peace and hope!
ReplyDeleteFred Rogers said to look for the helpers, I do, I want to be counted in that group. I help when ever I can, small jesters make such a difference and with the helpers, they show you how to help more. It doesn't cost money, or not much, it is kindness, a smile. We will get thru these trying times, one step at a time. Linda
ReplyDeleteDear, dear Bonnie!
ReplyDeleteEven more than the beautiful and spunky quilts you have made, the skills you teach and the home you and the Hubster have made for creativity, can you please imagine for one minute how you have connected so many people in peace and love and helpfulness!
I hope our gratitude lifts some of your burden, as you have lifted mine without even knowing it.
Love and joy to you and all you care for,
Marjorie
WE had seven deaths or horrible things happen in October. If it weren't for reading your posts and a few others like yours I would have become depressed. I am scared as well about the world and the hate that is so evident. But the saving grace is the love of my husband and my sewing. I can get lost for a few hours and not think of all the bad things. Please keep being you. But............if you need to slow down a little, we should all understand
ReplyDeleteThanks for letting everyone vent today. I know I've been feeling let down and mad for what the future could have been. I'm disappointed in others who think it's right to award bad behavior. Some are gloating in our frustration. I hope God is taking notes. It's hard to concentrate on other things like hobbies. They feel hollow right now. I'm going through the motions but there's always something looming in the background. I don't want it to consume me but I don't know how to get rid of it and I feel it's about to get worse. Never felt this way before. I don't know how those who made these world messes can sleep at night. They must have no compassion, only greed. I don't want the world to be like that. I hope others feel the same way, if these comments are any indication.
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain, Bonnie. This year has been awful for me. Husband’s elderly father passed away and settling the estate has been a nightmare. Then my arthritic knee just about did me in, and THEN I came down with Shingles. Took several months to recover. And I will say, this political mess has me going crazy. I was devastated. And so sad. But things are calming down now and I have time to get back to my quilt projects. Stay safe and hang in there!
ReplyDeleteThank you Bonnie, I have had an overwhelming sense of chaos and of feeling "dirty". I have channeled it into deep cleaning my sewing spaces and setting up projects for when I am ready to sew again. Be sure to acknowledge your feelings, and validate them where appropriate. I found out the hard way I can't just quilt over them.
ReplyDeleteRenee
I lost my beloved husband on Monday, he just quietly slipped away after a long slow decline and the words oof your post were exactly what I needed to hear today, thank you Bonnie for your daily posts.
ReplyDeleteI had a similarly bleak conversation with a fellow musician friend. I said i must dive ever deeper into my fabric to manage these times; she said, that's how we're going to stay our vibrants selves, by designing & sewing, & by playing our music.
ReplyDeleteKeep the faith, my fabric sister! I feel your pain, too. You have led us all through innumerable storms and conflicts, so now it's our time to do the comforting. Never forget..."This, too, will pass." Simply think back to other losses you have had in your life and how devastated you felt then. You recovered, right? You will come out the other side of the darkness again, and be refreshed. Meanwhile all of us are with you in spirit, sending hugs. Feel them? Then think of the joy you are spreading to so many with the release of Old Town Mystery on the 22nd! Hope you are tingling all over!
ReplyDeleteI agree 100%!! We all need to just keep stepping on, one foot in front of the other. I am with on that feeling of not getting to sew in a while. I get ansy when I go 2 weeks without sewing because of life things! Hugs, and especially one for Zoey!
ReplyDeleteQuilting keeps me sane. The only thing that stopped me in my tracks and distracted me from sewing was the attack on Sept. 11th. I got going again even though I had had foot surgery. I put my left foot on the presser foot and never looked back. Everything going on is awful and distressing now but I still get my fix in my sewing studio. That is my sanity. Love the red and white stars. Always.
ReplyDeleteAlice
What a special friend that sent you that message! Love, kindness, generosity, a smile are what makes everything so much brighter. When I lost my mojo to quilt or do anything creative earlier this year, I felt so out of sorts. But I try to read your blog every day and if I miss a day, I catch up the next day with what I've missed. One day the light bulb came on! It was you Bonnie. I started watching all your archived Quilt Cam's all over again. Little by little, I was back in my sewing room every day sewing with my best friend(whom I have never meet yet) and quilting buddy. And we were having so fun! You helped me to push through. So I don't focus on things I can't control. I trust and have faith our Lord has things in control. Thank you Bonnie for being an inspiration to all of us and for all you do!
ReplyDeleteBonnie, Thanks for sharing your thoughts...I feel/felt so much like you describe about 2 weeks ago but decided to pick myself up and keep moving on...forward. Yes, we must not give up or give in. Keep on quilting and sharing! Please!
ReplyDeleteGrateful for you sharing not only your quilts and life, but your big heart, Bonnie.
ReplyDeleteNamaste, vikki in NE WY
Bonnie i was thinking just this week as you posted about trips to come, the new quilt directions put out for those who may need it at this time of year and everything else you do- how does she have the energy? After all that has happened for you recently, especially with your husband, I was so pleased to see you take some time to be with family and chill for a bit. I hope you will continue to take time for yourself, to refresh, reenergise, recharge, whatever. You give so much to the quilting community but to so many people daily in your blog. Sincere thanks for it all.
ReplyDeleteYes to everything here. I never fail to start my day very early with coffee and your blog. You bring me joy with every post. But you, too, must be free to share grief, frustration, anger and loss of the creative drive. I feel for you, I agree with you, like so many here I am struggling terribly with the political situation. My husband died in September, and it has been hard to grieve while also in a state of great anxiety for the country. I have gotten very carried away with reorganizing my sewing space, and find myself looking forward to getting in there to sew. Fifteen minutes at a time, I have diversion and my space is looking better and hopefully will function better. Be very kind to yourself, Bonnie. I marvel at all you accomplish, all year long. Give yourself space and time to refresh deeply.
ReplyDeleteI was somewhat depressed after the election, but decided life was too precious to let it get me down. I avoided my sewing room but now I am back in it webbing My Blue Heaven. It has lifted my spirits and with the love of my family and Lucy, my dog, I look at the bright side of being alive and healthy.
ReplyDeleteBonnie, your words resonated so closely with my thoughts. The quote at the end brought me peace. Zoe is such a lovely dog, reminds me of my “Grandpup” Max. We’re both getting on in years. :). My anxiety has lessened, go day by day. Now I need to get cracking on the pine tree quilt I got from your site last month. Wish me luck. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteYes, my mojo is deeply affected by the world and home life strife so u do not watch the news.
ReplyDeleteEveryday I try to do something in my sewing room to bring light to my life and eventually others!
Keep on quilting!!!
I love seeing your doggies!
ReplyDeleteYour post hit home. I am feeling the same way and struggling to reclaim my happy place with sewing. Just trying to divide projects into small tasks for now. Thank you for sharing your friend’s message.
ReplyDeleteDear Bonnie, Thank you for trusting us with your heart. Lately I have been sewing, but my true mojo has been missing for months. Just leaning in and breathing in and out. Not having control over situations that are so close to our hearts is so very hard and brings sadness.
ReplyDeleteWhen I have moments of peace I am so grateful! May peace fill your heart.
The prayer of St. Francis has been running through my mind like a hamster on a wheel for two months. “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” I am not terribly brave or exceptionally wise, but I have found some serenity in making charity quilts for the hurricane victims, a local children’s home, an area hospital, our Hospice program, etc. If we are doing what we can with what we love to make one life better, we are doing enough. Bonnie, I am new to the blog and to the Mystery Quilt, but what you do makes so many people’s lives better - you inspire creativity, teach new skills, and put your heart into bringing beauty into the world. That’s more than enough.
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