Friday, January 1, 2021

Happiest of New Year's to YOU!

Hello Everyone,

Today I'm going to dig out one of my many UFO's, Betsy's Blessing, and enjoy working on it again. I will be churning out Churn Dash blocks while I'm watching the College Football Bowl games.

I love these little blocks!  I'm only using my stash of Betsy Chutchian fabrics, since they all work so well together. I put a little tutorial together which you can locate by clicking HERE.

So, dear readers, 2020 is now in our rear view mirror, and it's time for a reboot.  What lessons did we learn from last year?  I learned many things about myself, and I'll bet you did too.  I learned just how dear friends are, and I'll never take their hugs and smiles for granted ever again.  We've all had to learn to smile with our eyes, now that half of our faces are covered up.

I always knew how dear my family is, but now I profoundly realize just how loved they are.  I miss giving and receiving their hugs.  I miss seeing the interaction between all of them during family gatherings.  I miss it all.  When our son was dealing with Covid, there were many days filled with worry for his return to good health.  He is doing fine now, and so far, no other family members have contracted the virus.

I learned not to schedule every day with workshops, lectures, classes, and vending at quilt shows.  In 2019, I was always packing, and preparing to leave for an event.  I think I was gone more than I was home.  I have enjoyed being home for the past 9 months.  Yes, my income has taken a huge hit, but my piece of mind and happiness is priceless.  My Etsy shop has really kicked into high gear, and it has filled the financial void.

Next year I'm planning on hosting four Sew'n Wild Oaks quilt retreats.  I just have to walk down the street to Snowflake Lodge and I'm there!  Yes, there is a lot of planning involved to make it successful, but once that is done, I'm good to go.  I've missed the retreats soooooo much.  They are the happiest of times for all of us with so much laughter, sharing, eating, and yes, a lot of quilting!

Today, the first day of 2021 begins a new journey.  It's up to us to make it the best journey yet. It's up to us to see the best in everyone, be more tolerant, give more, and expect less.  We need to practice patience and civility.  Enjoy simplicity, and create harmony and peace in our homes. We can do this!  Our story begins at home.

Happy New Year!

Soon,

Lynn


 

23 comments:

  1. Well said! Happy New Year to you!

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  2. Thank you for commenting, Moe. Happy New Year to you too!

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  3. Beautiful words of inspiration...they filled up my empty cuppa. Thank you Lynn
    Can I bribe you with great wine for a space at a retreat?

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    1. No bribes necessary.....your name is already on the list of attendees. I'll be sending out "feelers" just as soon as everything is a go. Consider yourself in! Happy New Year!

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  4. Lynn,

    I would love to attend one of your retreats and bring along a friend. Please let me know if there is any availability!

    Thank you,

    Carol Epp

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    1. I will put your name on my reserve list Carol, along with your friend. Everyone who signed up last year is first on list. Happy New Year!

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  5. I'd appreciate a "feeler" for a retreat later in the year if there's room. I have so missed hugs from my family and friends as well. My family is mostly in Florida and I miss them terribly. Hopefully I will feel comfortable getting on a plane soon.

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    1. I'll put your name on my reserve list Julie. Happy New Year.

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  6. We all had our Hell Year - ours for different reason, but the last month ours was over with only to not be able to get away to the Casino. BUT it is a new year! YEA no more of that XXXX year! Love the Churndash blocks!

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    1. At least you made it through the entire year.....many didn't. It's scary out there!

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  7. Hi Lynn...I am unable to find your sashing tutorial/ measurements for the churn dash blocks. Could you please help me? I love what you do and always look forward to your posts! Happy New Year!

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    1. I'll post a tutorial this week for everyone Mary Jo. Happy New Year to you too!

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  8. Hi Lynn...I am unable to find your sashing tutorial/ measurements for the churn dash blocks. Could you please help me? I love what you do and always look forward to your posts! Happy New Year!

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  9. Here's to 2021 being the best journey yet and I agree it starts at home. Patience and harmony to you and yours! Hugs, Sharon McD

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    1. Thank yo Sharon.....and the same to you and your entire family. I miss you!

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    2. Cute story regarding your little churn dash project. I nudged my sisters into following your blog and my sister Diane liked your lil project so much she made scrappy churn dash table toppers for us for Christmas. She loves your designs "almost" as much as I do. Quilting is truly the common thread that has kept us sane during these troubling times.Hugs, Sharon

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    3. I didn't know you had quilting sisters! How fun for you.

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    4. My older sister (by two years), Diane, has quilted for nearly 25 years. This year we brought my younger sister, Sue, into the fold. Sue has always been artistic, but quilting is new to her and I love helping her.

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  10. I am loving your churn dash blocks! Betsy's fabrics are wonderful. I am so looking forward to what may be coming our way in this new year (a new grandbaby for us in June). Thanks for your wonderful blog - I sew enjoy following you. HUGS... and stitches

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    1. What a special year this is going to be for your family Christie! Isn't it fun to have something so wonderful to look forward to? Happy New Year!

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  11. Oh what truths you speak, Lynn! This was definitely a year of self-discovery, but in the end, making the most of it! I've missed my quilting family so much and can't wait for the next gathering of the Plaidettes!
    Cheers!

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    1. I can wait to get our Plaidettes together again! Cheers to you and Bob.

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  12. So very much to both reflect on and look forward to, Lynn. I really like the fabric line and churn dash blocks you've pieced with it. Happy New Year!!

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