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Saturday, March 21, 2020

Happy Quilting Day!!

Happy National Quilting Day!!!

To all of my quilter friends around the globe, three cheers to us all in celebration of the art we  love!!  Piecing and quilting brings joy, fulfillment and camaraderie which is just cause for a celebration.

How about a giveaway?!!  

Post a comment to my blog letting me know what you're doing to keep your spirits up while we all go through this crazy time.  Keeping a positive attitude, even while dealing with difficulty, is so very important.  (To be fair to everyone, email comments are not allowed. )

I have two Fat Eighth bundles of my new Rachel's Tribute fabric collection to give-away.  I'll choose winners Tuesday morning.
In my last post, I said I was going on a girlfriend sewing trip.  I did go, and while I was away, I received the following comment from Michelle who said....

Sorry but the fact that you are going on a girls trip is really unsettling. Have you not listened to all the warning? I'm currently in lockdown in my home because I am sick...and when I read your post I was actually feeling angry! I got sick from someone I work with. She came to work not feeling well...she laughed when I suggested she go home and get tested...well a week and a half later, I am now under quarantine. You need to take this seriously and give a little thought about your girlfriends health and really...is a retreat really more important than your health?! 

Given the state of the world, I would like to explain myself for one reason.  For all of us not to jump to conclusions over what we may see or hear during this crazy time.

My friends and I seriously contemplated going, making sure we all felt well, and that if anyone had concerns, or wasn't feeling well, they could/should stay home.  Some friends did stay home for a variety of reasons which we all respected.  Four of us went to our retreat, which is a private home, not a public place.  We each had our own bedroom and bath.  We sewed in a wide open area where we spread out at least 12 feet from one another.  We went out for groceries the first day, and never left home again, locking ourselves in from the outside world.  We have great concern and respect for what is happening.  We all returned home healthy, ready to take on whatever comes next, respecting, and supporting those who are already dealing with hardships.   

My friends and I definitely take this pandemic very seriously.  My daughter is a nurse at a local hospital on the med/surg floor where she treats and cares for patients sick with just about everything and anything all year long.  My son works for two municipalities as a firefighter/paramedic.  He is also front line in this viral war, and both still live at home.  If my kids have taught me anything, it is to be very sensible and pragmatic about the precautions to take from all communicable diseases/viruses.....and that we also have to live our lives!  I wish Michelle had not jumped to the conclusion that my friends and I were being careless with our health and the health of others.  We were/are very responsible, and felt that we could and should go on living our lives.  

Today, things are about to change where I live, in Illinois, as the governor has now ordered the entire state to stay home and shelter in place beginning this evening.  Had that been the case a week ago, our trip would have been canceled.   The world we live in is different from town to town, state to state, in an ever-changing fluid situation.  What is appropriate today for folks in NYC is not in Boise, ID.  I firmly believe the best way to get through this is to have compassion and understanding for each other, and to do all we can to make the best of it.

I am very sad to hear that Michelle is on lock-down in her home and not feeling well.   I could not agree more that her co-worker should have stayed home.  I wish you all the best, Michelle, and hope for a speedy recovery.  In the meantime, while you're home, I hope you find things that will make you laugh (Facebook has been hilarious with people making the best of all types of life changes), give you comfort and lift your spirits.  

Thank you for listening to my rambling.  Don't forget to comment about how you're coping with this craziness.   This ends any talk of "the virus" on my blog.  From here on, it will be a place to visit for up-beat and cheerful quilting news.  You no doubt get enough of the other everywhere else.  

As I always say at the end of a blog post.....to my friends around the world....Be well!!  

100 comments:

  1. So happy you and your friends were able to enjoy your retreat. I live in IL as well at a public library which closed to the public a week ago today. I'll be quasi-working at home but hope to have a little extra time on my hand to 1) Unpack and use the Instant Pot I bought before Christmas, 2) Move the overflow from my craft room into my now empty extra bedroom since my son moved into his new house and 3) spend some time quilting and cardmaking. Wishing you and your family good health.

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  2. I have several small quilts that I’m working on. But last night and today I cleaned up my sewing area. I organized fabric. I put leftover fabric from various projects back where it belonged, and moved all of my Christmas fabrics to a different room. It feels so good!! Now I can get busy with the fun stuff....sewing small quilts!!

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  3. I appreciate your blog and a chance to win some beautiful fabric. It is definitely a very hard time around the world. On Monday our schools (my place of employment) were closed indefinitely and so I am working remotely from home. I love being at home so that is not a problem except it is not so much fun when going out is risky and becomes a necessity. Besides working at my job, I have been trying to do one small cleaning chore every day and I am trying to ge my sewing mojo going. I have just felt so exhausted it is hard to think. Stay well everyone. We, the world, are in this together.

    I pray your daughter and son stay well. My daughter is also a nurse and I am hoping the same for her and all frontline workers during this pandemic.

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  4. I'm working on a Project Linus quilt, sharing funnies on Facebook, and (you know it is really bad and I'm really bored) cleaning house. Take care.

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  5. Hubby and I just got new rocker recliners delivered so we have been spending a lot of time rocking. It helps to calm our nerves and settle things down a bit. Other than that, I have set up my work from home station so I can start that on Monday. I am in St. Louis and we are going to shelter-at-home on Monday, too.

    Sandy A

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  6. I live in NY. Schools closed 1 week ago. Grocery shelves are empty. Rationing is in effect fir eggs,paper goods, water. 1 per person. Cleaning supplies do not exist.No butter or flour either.
    My son and DIL are essential workers. I am caring fir my granddaughter so they may work without worry. We share meals and supplies. My gd and I play games and read. Grandma also gets to sew. We are very lucky. We live rural and have lots of space to explore. If only it would stop snowing!
    The sewing room is a great therapy tool. I am making some cute little wallets that were a free pattern online this week. I will fill them with goodies and gift cards fir those who need a lift. Thanks for sharing!

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  7. I am home as are my quilting friends. I will greatly miss sewing with them each Tuesday. We are sewing and share online. Some of us are making masks for local hospitals as we have been urged to do by our quilting/nursing friends. Everyone needs to keep safe and well.

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  8. Thanks for your generosity. I've been working on donation quilts for our quilt ministry this month and just finished the third one this week. Now working on another top. I would be working on face masks but have no access to some of the needed supplies being recommended. So comfort quilts it is.

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  9. I have had a pretty large spools quilt batted up and ready to quilt for at least 8 months - on a three week leave because my work place is closed so I have been working on hand quilting this quilt - very relaxing and helps relieve the stress of what's going on in the outside world.

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  10. am enjoying catching up on my favorite TV shows, working on UFO's, and just relaxing. I just finished binge-watching Shaun the Sheep on Netflix and laughed all the way through!

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  11. I am “hunkered” down in my sewing room, working on a quilt called Rebel Red that was kitted with your Treenware and Berries fabric. That tells you I have had the quilt kit for awhile:). It remains to be seen how many of these on hand projects I can burn through before social distancing ends. Keep safe and sew on!

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  12. Hi Pam! I've been staying home and sewing my lovely Civil War reproductions in a log cabin with only necessary trips to get groceries. It's easy to keep in touch with friends on the internet and send pictures to each other of what we're working on lately.

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  13. I hope this isn't a duplicate. I'm sewing away all day. I should have been at retreat this week, so I'm pretending. Machine sewing by day, hand applique at night. Keep on stitching!

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  14. Happy national quilting day, Pam. I am quilting this weekend to help take my mind off of the constant barrage of information. Thank you for everything you do!!

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  15. I am binge watching Golden Girls and finishing up quiltd and Sale.

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  16. I’m glad you went on the trip with your friends. It is a scary time but you were safer than the mobs who packed the grocery stores last week to hoard TP.

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  17. My husband and I fall into the endangered age group, so we are staying on our 160 acre mountain property and not inviting anyone to join us. He and the dogs are rambling the trails and cutting and splitting wood for next winter. He has the garden prepared for planting, which we will do when it dries out enough. I'm planning meals and making menus. I bake our bread and make our jams. We have two freezers stocked and vegetables I canned last summer. I have a couple of your patterns I'm anxious to get started on with some of your shirtings and gorgeous reds from an era of history I dearly love. I'm also praying for our country and the ones who have contracted the illness and that this will pass. Pam, thank you for the lovely patterns you design that are reminiscent of days gone by and the fabrics that make the patterns come alive. God bless you and your readers.

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  18. After working 1o hours a day, I appreciate a lighter work load. I am getting caught up on projects and able to actually relax. Glad you were able to get away for a long week end!
    Sandy C.

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  19. As a teacher, this virus has changed my occupation in ways I haven't even figured out yet. Ugh! In the meantime, I am getting away from social media (when I can--since I need my district's info) and working on UFOs! I have finished one, and am heading for another tomorrow! This is my 'lemonade' to the world's 'lemons'! I would put those fat eighth bundles to VERY good use! Take care! Karin

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  20. As a teacher, this virus has changed my occupation in ways I haven't even figured out yet. Ugh! In the meantime, I am getting away from social media (when I can--since I need my district's info) and working on UFOs! I have finished one, and am heading for another tomorrow! This is my 'lemonade' to the world's 'lemons'! I would put those fat eighth bundles to VERY good use! Take care!

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  21. I’m sewing on my UFOs and making good progress!

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  22. Spending time outside in the yard makes the time easier.

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  23. These are indeed trying times, this past week seems like two as last saturday I was hanging out with a bunch of quilters. Today I chose music to lighten and brighten my heart! And as I worried I would run out of needed items I recalled a wonderful theme taught by you, in the Praire Women's Sewing Circle Club, Making Due. That's what our ancestors have done so now it is our turn! I love your new collection. Happy Quilting

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  24. My plan is to finish up several started projects, including the "Old Fashioned Christmas" sew-a-long!

    Stay safe!

    -Kayla

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  25. Working a scrappy log cabin table cover... happy Quilting Day everyone!❤️🇨🇦

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  26. I’m trying to go out each day for a walk ( not a lot of people around here). Breathing deeply and trying to relax while enjoying the air!

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  27. I am in Alberta, Canada, and we have been asked to stay home, but can go for walks. So everyday for the last week, I have headed out for about a 2 hour walk, maintaining physical distancing. It is so nice to get the fresh air and have the sun on my face. In the afternoon I spend a few hours in my sewing room and the rest of the time sorting through drawers and cupboards, cooking and Messaging or phoning friends. I am retired, so it is pretty well business as usual.

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  28. I'm so glad you were able to go on your retreat. Mental health is important too, and where you live is different from where I live. We all have to adjust to be flexible and help where we can! To keep my spirits up, I spent one day cleaning up my stash and finding things I'd been looking for! I ordered a small quilt kit and a jigsaw puzzle - now it's time to quilt all those UFOs and work on lap quilts for some friends who are ill.

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  29. I'm coping with the stress by taking a brief break from quilting and making masks for our health care workers. It's a scary world we are living in. Looking forward to sewing with friends when this virus is under control. Be well.

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  30. Great post Pam. I enjoyed it very much.
    Every one where I live is still going about doing the things they have been doing--only more carefully.I live in a small town and the virus hasn't hit us yet so stores and businesses are still open. They did close the schools for a couple of weeks though to keep the kids safe.
    Thank you so much for your giveaway.I have been busy doing things in my sewing room-- like finishing up some projects that I started a long time ago. I love being in my sewing room and I can always find something to do. It makes me happy. I don't worry so much about what is going on.

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  31. Glad you had fun and came back healthy. I am a bit anxious in CT but it gives me time to straighten up my sewing room.

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  32. I have been sewing in between regular household things. Have finished a couple of small quilt tops and now need to get them quilted. I have a positive attitude and know that God will bring us through this unsettled time.

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  33. I am using this time of social distancing as an opportunity to finish quilting and organizing projects that I have not had time for previously. While it is frustrating to not be able to be out and about and I miss my time with family and friends, I know it is important to do what we can to protect people from this virus.

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  34. I am glad you had a good time. Sounds like a great retreat.
    I have to be super careful because of the time I spend with my Mom. And since she lives with my brother and his wife, I have to consider that all three of them are very vulnerable due to age and multiple health conditions. I can't take the risk of picking up something anywhere. I will be really glad when this is all over! And I am grateful for technology that can keep us connected in spite of social distance. :)

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  35. I just happen to be quilting. I can always bury myself in fabric.

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  36. I have been staying home during coronavirus outbreak and doing a lot of sewing. I have also discovered free jigsaw puzzles online. They are very addictive! Stay safe everyone.

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  37. well besides ther multiple quilting projects I am rotating thru, I'm spending time cooking and baking some things I normally don't spend the time to make, staying in touch with children (several are healthcare providers so I wnat to be sure they are OK, face time with grandchildren, reading all the great books I have had stacked up waiting for their turn (!!), making regular phone contact with a few older neighbors who are anxious and spending some time every day meditating. I have a couple of trusted sources that I check to stay current with changes but don't over do it so I;m not getting anxious.

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  38. My friend and I are busy stitching ... she at her house and me at mine. We send texts and photos of our progress and send advice and encouragement. Although we can't be together right now, we're still having fun!

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  39. I work at an elementary school. Like most schools, my school is closed. I recently purchased a Jazz II so i am machine quilting tops that were too large to fit in my other machine.

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  40. I will be staying in touch with my church via the internet broadcasts and using the time to get creative with meals as an effort to clean out the freezer and pantry. We are face-timing with adult children and grandchildren and of course, I am quilting. Spending time working with my husband on a jigsaw puzzle is calming and i hope to get outside and begin yard clean-up as the weather cooperates. I can visit with my neighbor from a safe distance as we both enjoy our yards. This too shall pass. Blessings to all.

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  41. Thanks for this chance, Pam! The best thing about being on lock down is that my 11 year old daughter doesn't have school and that means that she had the time to start her first ever quilt!! She picked the Trifles pattern and chose 9 fabrics in pink, teal, purple and blue. I ironed the fabric and made the long fabric cuts. Emma is cutting out the smaller rectangles and pairing up the fabrics. She just started sewing the rectangles together and she's doing an amazing job!!! There is nothing like seeing a young person learn our trade. So exciting!!

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  42. I agree, sewing and quilting can ease the stress. I've spent the entire day piecing batik blocks in absolute random fashion. I just needed some play time. There's so much going on right now, it's important to give your mind a rest from it and do something you enjoy. Thank you so much for the giveaway!

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  43. I am staying home & sewing. I love to sew, have more projects than time usually, so this gives me time to really enjoy those projects! About the only place I go when not at home is to get groceries~ the fresh stuff. Wishing everyone health & safety in this unpredictable time!

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  44. I am working on finishing up some quilt and cross stitch wips. And I just started a new mystery quilt a long. Thanks for a chance at your beautiful fabrics. Stay safe and healthy.

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  45. I am working on my circa 1880 Nine Patch!!

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  46. I am working on my Circa 1880 Nine Patch

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  47. I am self-isolating due to the virus and actually have gotten a lot accomplished in a few days! I have pulled out a couple of projects that need finishing up and decided to get it done. It is also nice to be with my husband more. I hope everyone stays safe and we get thru this as soon as possible and back to a more normal life as we used to know it. Still very thankful for all my blessings in life!

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  48. Hi Pam, I have been talking with my close quilty friends daily, and sewing of course:) I have been doing some cross stitch daily, which is extremely relaxing to me. Thank you for a chance to win some of your beautiful fabrics. Best wishes to you.

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  49. First off but thankful, I live in the country,isolated, so all Ive been doing is sewing. The weather hasn't goten dry or warm enough to work out side. So anything would be gladly used

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  50. So far, I have spent my time cooking, purging closets and working on applique. I am welcoming the slower days and looking forward to finishing projects.

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  51. What am I doing to keep my spirits up ... I am working on a quilt for my granddaughter for her birthday in May ... Thank you for the giveaway!!

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  52. I'm doing the best to stay healthy both physically and mentally. Spending time in my sewing room helps takes my mind off of what is going on. Sewing/quilting is great therapy any time and the results are rewarding for yourself and others.

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  53. I escape to my sewing room and work on a quilt. So far I've finished a wall hanging and cut out a new quilt. In the afternoon O either cross stitch or crochet .

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  54. I read your post this morning with great interest. I can understand Michelle's concern, and I can see that you and your friends made arrangements to limit the risks while you sewed together. Yesterday for the first time in a month I went out with my husband while he picked up a few groceries. I'm not sick, but I am over 70, and as a retired ER nurse, know how easily viruses can spread. I watched from the car as people entered the supermarket, and left after. Where ever there is a common doorknob, or any other common touch area, I saw great opportunity for contagion. I don't see any reason to panic at this time, but social distancing practiced in a real way will certainly slow this virus and it's spread. I was wondering if during your retreat, you had a means to safeguard those common items like doorknobs?
    I'm sewing, dancing to Jerry Lee Lewis in the living room, playing the piano, and enjoying all that our social media has to offer. In addition, we are inching our way toward spring a little at a time. Hope your day is fabulous.

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  55. During this crazy time I am happily sewing along, enjoying the company of my husband of 49 years, and keeping up with family and friends through Skype, texts, and phone calls. Your post was well said, and I loved the picture at the top. Thank you, Pam!

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  56. I am staying home with my hubby, sewing and crafting while ignoring all the cleaning I could be doing! Looking forward to warmer weather so I can go out for walks and sit on the deck. Thanks for the chance in your giveaway.

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  57. Hope I'll win tuesday morning...!
    Have a good sunday,
    del

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  58. Hi Pam,
    The whole month of February was filled with hospice care with my Dad and people coming to see him. March 7th at 91 he was gone and my world stopped. I was told my so many family and friends to start sewing again, it's your passion. It took me two weeks to get back in the sewing room. Yesterday as I was finishing up a baby quilt for a daughters best friend I also cut out parts to make face masks. Sewing for others is definitely a mood lifter. :)

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  59. I am staying busy working on a ufo I am excited about, and catching up on some longarm quilting!

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  60. I am trying my best to keep my anxiety under control quite honestly. I made some face masks yesterday for a friend whose daughter works in a hospital in San Francisco. I started hand quilting one of my recently finished appliqué quilt. That usually calms me. IT is a crazy time right now in this world. TAke care and be safe and well. Mary

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  61. I can work from home which means less time for sewing unfortunately. But for me, the best stress relief is just getting outdoors - sunshine and a walk bring me back to my senses! Here in Maine is was actually Spring yesterday, for a day. Bright and sunny for some yard work. But Monday back to winter as we are due several inches of snow. At least I have no commute for this to impact!
    Happy Stitching everyone! Christine

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  62. Pam, I'm glad you were safely able to get together w/friends. My 3 friends organized one for us & we had our retreat right before anything developed here in Middle Georgia. I was so thankful for this time. I have been under a lot of stress thru a long illness with my husband & then his death last October. Tho God is my strength, it was good for me to have a relaxed time quilting w/girlfriends. It had been fully 2 years since I had been able to do that. May God bless our country/our world & cause this virus to be overcome!

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  63. Pam, I am trying like everyone else is I'm sure to keep busy doing the things I love. One, taking care of my husband and the other is taking care of me, my needle and thread is my medicine of choice.It does REALLY sooth my soul, especially at this scary time. Thank's for sharing your thought's and I know you are a very caring person. Bless you and your family and I pray that your children stay safe.

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  64. I'm in upstate New York where we have to "shelter in place" for awhile. I'm hoping to use this time to get my stash (and my basement!) organized and work on quilting some of my smaller quilt tops. Thank you so much for your generous giveaway. I love the Rachel's Tribute collection! Hope you and your family stay healthy and safe!

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  65. My husband and I are already on a self-imposed "stay at home" ahead of an impending order, alternating general home spring tasks with stay in hobbies. This will give me more than an occasional hour or two to work in small quilts. I can always order more fabric on-line.....thanks for the opportunity to add more of your fabrics to my stash.
    MaryAnn in Oregon

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  66. Seven friends and I had to cancel our April quilt retreat. Instead, we are having a virtual quilt retreat, via email and text, pictures and all. We are about to start a virtual round robin, which should be interesting! I am so grateful to have quilting in my life!

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  67. Wow, I sure hope everyone takes this seriously too. Get well Michelle. I'm over 65 and have asthma, so I'm really just staying in except for a daily walk with my hubby and dogs in our neighborhood and we do meet neighbors on those, but keeping social distancing with them. I finished a quilt for my nephew who was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer and I did take it to him, but put it in a bag on his front porch and we maintained distance too. I can't wait to be able to hug him. The president of my quilt guild made a Facebook page for us as a virtual guild since we can't meet until this craziness is over. Several of us are working on the mystery quilt that Edyta Sitar is hosting and sharing pictures of our progress. Stay safe everyone.

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  68. I have a special quilt project that was given to me by a dear friend that passed away last year. I thought it would be the perfect time to get it done with all the extra time! I also have a few small quilts and table runners kind of mixed in! lol Thanks for all of the fun giveaways you do!
    Nancy
    eddnancy@msn.com

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  69. It was nice that you were able to have a safe mini retreat before the stay home lockdown. My daughter and her family live in Illinois. She is a college professor and has had to restructure her classes to be taught online. I had been staying home long before the virus warnings because I had major surgery in early January. Your Rachel’s Tribute fabric is beautiful. Thanks for the giveaway and for the chance.

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  70. I am staying home, working on quilts and doing yard work. I hoping to receive the vegetable seeds I ordered soon, so I can plant them and watch them grow!

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  71. Crazy crazy times!!! Not panicking here, but still concerned. Deep cleaned our bedroom yesterday. The quilt blocks on our living room floor keep staring at me, wanting to get completely sewn together, so that's on the agenda for today. Reading lots of quilt blogs to keep entertained. the bad (?) thing there is that they are all giving FREE patterns or tutorials - I will never get them sewn, but sure do enjoy the virtual sewing! Take care, stay safe, keep calm! HUGS... and stitches

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  72. Working on Blockheads3 and a UFO
    Catching up on Longarm quilting!

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  73. What am I doing to keep sane? Right now I need a nap, but am waiting for church to start on line. I have lots of projects ready to go. My husband says I have to live to 160 (I am 77) to get everything done, so maybe this will help. But one of my daughters works in an ER in a hospital, so when church is over, I will pick FQs out of my stash to make masks for her. My husband is picking up one of our granddaughters from college about 605 miles from us right now because it isn't safe for her to fly home at the moment. I am looking forward to spending time with her when she is not on line or studying in order to finish the semester. And I try to start the day with Bible study. Oh, and in the evenings if there is nothing on tv that we want to watch, my husband has been reading to me while I work on my queen sized EPP project. But really, besides keeping busy, I think it is the Lord who has kept me from feeling stressed out. Nancy A: SewingGranda@gmail.com

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  74. Well, of course, I'm in my happy place doing what I love--sewing! It's been so great to see all the new sew along's online too. And the Quilt Show is offering free online programs too. I've also been listening to audio books when I walk my dog--fresh air and a good story! I just finished My Dark Vanessa--controversial, but couldn't stop listening--Willow and I took some long walks--lol!

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  75. Good morning, Pam! I don't often comment, but I surely enjoy your emails.
    I am coping by reading a LOT, playing the piano, and sewing with abandon!! I test patterns for a few bag makers so there are a couple of those going right now, and I've joined up with the Alison Glass Minis SAL which starts today, Sunday. I also walk into our backyard and admire all the gorgeousness springing up and out - my husband is a wonderful gardener! And lastly, I meditate daily (in the morning) which calms me and sets me up for the day!! Stay cool!

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  76. I'm glad you and your family are well as are mine. I've been doing some much needed home improvement projects and then hope to get back to some dedicated sewing time. Thankyou for the opportunity to win your beautiful fabrics

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  77. Here in Spain we are confined to home 7 days now, so I am keeping busy hand quilting a quilt for my granddaughter! Stay healthy, this is pretty scary.

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  78. I've been trying to get some sewing done each day to keep my sanity. The only problem is that all of the cutting comes first and my shoulder is really suffering. But I am making progress and that is what's really important. Love your new fabric line.

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  79. My daughter is here for the lockdown duration. She telework, so we spend her off hours quilting together!

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  80. Dear Pam,
    I think you and your friends made an informed decision and enjoyed yourselves. You did not go out into the world ill and spread your germs. I am happy you had a good time, these are very trying times.
    I am spending my time working on log cabin blocks with my reproduction Civil war scraps and the Creative Grid log cabin ruler. I am going to take a day and sew masks. Not sure if they will help anyone, but it will make me feel like I am helping. I would love a bundle of your Rachel's Tribute. Thank you and stay well

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  81. Thanks for becoming a no virus zone. We need to focus on what we can do, not what we can't. I am choosing one or two things to do each day for someone else. Work on a charity quilt, call a shut-in, send an encouraging email, pray for our country. Let's not "poor me", let's look to help others.

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  82. I am here in MA where the weather has been nice enough to get outside which has helped a lot in this trying time. We've actually been using our log splitter to split the wood from a huge hickory that fell in our field in November. The next few days are supposed to be rainy so I will get to do some sewing. Stay well everyone. Thanks Pam, love your fabrics! Jan in MA

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  83. I am sewing quilts for Project Linus.

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  84. Thanks Pam. It sounds like you and your friends took good precautions for your retreat. During this time of isolation, I've been spending some time on the computer reading others' blogs as well as checking out some great quilting sites/shops. I also finished binding a large queen quilt that I just got back from the quilter's and I started a cute butterfly baby quilt for a friend of my youngest daughter. I have plenty of UFOs to keep me going!! Thanks for the chance!

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  85. I am interacting with friends and family via the phone and the internet. We have a jigsaw puzzle started and of course I am sewing whenever possible. We plan to start cleaning up the yard once the weather cooperates.

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  86. I sort of love sheltering in place! I know it will grow old and I'll be frustrated with not being ABLE to get out, but in the meantime I'm enjoying FORCED SEWING TIME! Loving the freedom to have plenty of time for my favorite hobby. I'm investigating the possibilities of our quilting group sewing face masks for local places that might need them, if we can find sufficient elastic (Amazon is sold out!!!) We all love sewing for the greater good. So I hope we can make ourselves useful to others as well as ourselves. I can't wait to get my new Pam Buda book! Counting the days -- yay!

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  87. I have enough UFO's to keep me busy for weeks and a garden that gets me outside into the fresh air. I hope that everyone stays well and that Michelle feels much better soon.

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  88. After returning from a trip to the Caribbean, me and my family are in quarantine for 14 days! However, we live on a farm in Kansas about 15 miles from the nearest town, so we practice isolation all the time! lol Like most other quilters, I am sewing. Laundry Basket is having a sew along. I'm cleaning out closets and I might try my hand at making masks. Stay well!!! jmh

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  89. I have been sewing exchange blocks for friends and will be making some masks for our hospitals. I also read and take care of my husband who is in bed. Barbara Cissne
    barbaracissne@yahoo.com

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  90. My faith will get me thru this uncertainity we all face in our own individual lives but also throughout the entire world. I am so blessed to have the passion to sew and have so many ufo projects. I sew when I can to soothe my soul. I'd like to sew the much needed masks for the healthcare workers but the problem is getting elastic.
    And of course disinfecting everything everyday. Thank you so much for the opportunity to win such beautiful fabric. Just love them all. Take care. Dolores

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  91. I’m making surgical masks...my daughter is a nurse and her hospital is already monitoring PPE supplies. The ones I make may have a use eventually, but, if not, I don’t mind. If just one masks makes someone feel like it’s protecting them then I’m in!

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  92. Sewing! I've been working on UFOs all year since moving to Utah. Hope you are still making your trip out here.

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  93. To keep busy I am trying to finish up several UFOs. In addition there is a lot of cleaning and sanitizing going on in our house. I recently heard that 2 hospitals in my area are in need of people to sew masks and I am looking into doing that.

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  94. I am coping by catching up on some quilting projects that haven't had much attention lately. You know the ones that are partially completed and set aside because you start something else. It is really kind of like a vacation - lots of time to sew on those unfinished projects and flip thru books dreaming of what the next project will be.

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  95. Thanks for your generosity! First I must do a little clean up in my sewing room, I let it get a little out of hand the last couple weeks. Then on to some quilting, cooking and baking. I have 2 kids still at home (13 and 15), plus my oldest and her husband moved in a month ago waiting for their house to be constructed....they are all off school/working from "home," along with my husband. So we have 3 makeshift offices here....plus my office/sewing room. We are practicing social distancing and staying in our own areas.....so shoot!....I must quilt all day to stay quiet and away from the "workers"! My only outlet is to cook and bake in the kitchen for the large family I have at home now....and that is fantastic as well!!! To all....stay safe, stay positive and do what you love and makes you happy! This, too, shall pass....

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  96. Thanks for your generosity. I need to clean up my sewing room a bit before starting my day. I hope to quilt, cook and bake most of the week. I have 2 kids at home from school (13 and 15), plus my husband, my oldest daughter and her husband, all working from home. My daughter and SIL moved in with us a month ago, waiting on their next home to be available. SO....with 3 other makeshift offices in our house....I'm self isolating in my own office/sewing room and enjoying some quilting. I started on 9 BOM/BOW's in January that I failed to do in the past because of "life." Well, now "life" has given me opportunity to play catch-up. To all, stay safe and do something you enjoy....this, too, shall pass!

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  97. I'm still going to work Monday through Friday. This weekend I was able to finish a top I've been working on. There have been so many pretty neutral based quilts shown lately I just had to make one of my own. Here's hoping it will get quilted before my neutral phase passes.

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  98. A friend from the Alzheimers unit I worked at as RN (before hand surgery) asked me to make masks since they were OUT. So, fabric is a flyin' here. I am hoping to reorganize and make some new lap blankets for there too once mask need is fulfilled. I'm figuring out how to stretch the food we have here (three teens, hubby and me) and cleaned up the minivan and yard to perfection. Today, I am going to set up a sweet study area for hubby since he will be totally working from home. I am passing out Vit. C and D3 galore, encouraging hot drinks and healthy eating. Praying for all my quilt sisters too.~ Be well. You've never known me, but I have seen you and recognized you shopping when we lived near you (we moved from Kokomo). Lucy

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  99. I finished the Circa 1880 quilt top just before the world imploded... I still have a job and work from home most days now. I plan on quilting that while I'm under the Illinois "Shelter in Place" order. Thank you for making our world a little brighter!

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  100. Thank you for bringing a positive in a trying time. I am a retired healthcare worker that now works in a quilt shop. The shop has closed in accordance to IL governor's order. I am quilting a surprise gift for a friend's special bday in May. I am also working on UFOs

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