what I'm up to

Mask life.

Making this thing took me way longer than it should have.

1. I haven't sewn on my machine in a long while, so I was a wee bit rusty.
2. Somehow during that interim my machine broke. *shrugs* Now it won't switch between types of stitches. Boo.
3. I'm kind of bad at following video tutorials. I watched it once and then got all cocky thinking I know what I'm doing. Had to throw out my first one. (This mask features a nose wire, replaceable elastic, and a filter pocket, so it's a bit more involved than some.)
4. If you are curious what pattern I used, my superhero quilter sister recommended this one. She and a bunch of her sewing friends are making up huge numbers of these for hospitals per their request. And also of course for friends and family, since it's recommended we all wear something to cover our faces while we are out.
5. There are a LOT of free patterns to choose from out there right now, like this one and this one and this one.

The one I made feels pretty comfortable on. Note: The elastic allowed for the ears was too small for my husband's face, so keep that in mind if you are making it for a guy. I added 2 inches or so to the elastic for him.

Let's all look forward to a time when we can put these things in a drawer and forget about 'em. Stupid virus. Die, virus, die.

in which I design a new series while sheltering in place

"There's more of gravy than of grave about you, whatever you are." Said guess who?

That is right! You guessed it. This is a fairly tight prototype of Mr Scrooge, the first pattern in a new series called Ebenezer, based on Charles Dickens' Victorian novella, A Christmas Carol. I'm excited about it and I hope you'll enjoy it. It's going to be ornate and a bit spooky.

No worries, I'm also working on the third pattern design for my 'Twas the Night series. It's only in the design stages but I'll update when I can.

Design work is a nice distraction. I'm hanging in there. You? Air hugs to you, folks of the world, as we all hunker down and weather this pandemic. My cloistered family is just trying to get through each day and stay positive. We are now under a Shelter In Place order here in GA, but that is essentially what we've been doing already for weeks. I pray that you are well and staying encouraged, wherever you are in the world. I pray for all those on the frontlines of this nightmare, and also those working hard in the seldom noticed background, doing essential tasks to keep the world running. I'm trying to do my part to minimize the spread and stay informed. I'm going to sew some masks today.

Phil. 4:6-7 is my daily shelter right now. Maybe it will strengthen you too.