Theme for 2021: Awareness
If the word for 2020 was Pivot, then as we begin 2021 the word is Aware. James Thurber is quoted as saying, “Let us not look back in anger or forward in fear, but around in awareness.” It seems like the perfect quote for this year. It’s time to let go of our anger and fears (pandemic-induced, election-induced, Russian hacking-induced . . .). Instead, let’s be aware of the events around us without letting them overwhelm us. Being alert and knowledgeable doesn’t have to mean anxious and afraid. I know at times I have felt despondent and overwhelmed. I found my way past those feelings by limiting social media and news and increasing my creative pursuits and my reading of silly cozy and paranormal mysteries. I hope you are also finding ways to be aware while still living a creative, meaningful life.
Feel free to download the quote graphic and share!
For New Year’s Eve I participated in a virtual sew along on Zoom hosted by the Material Girlfriends, Lisa and Lora Norton. I worked on a quilt I meant to start last year (see below). Other participants also worked on unfinished projects. Lisa and Lora walked everyone through their Double Irish Chain quilt. Although there wasn’t a whole lot of chit chat, it was a rewarding and inspiring evening. I enjoyed interacting with other sewists in a safe and supportive environment.
Now, on to my 2021 first quarter creative projects!
Writing
I’m working on a new journal with prompts. I took my inspiration from my favorite medieval heretic and mystic, Meister Eckhart. Publication date is set for October 2021, so it will be ready for holiday gift-giving. I haven’t settled on a title yet, but it will include prompts and room to doodle and write.
Background image credit: Michael Sander, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Sewing
Vintage Fabric Blouse
First up for sewing is the Akita blouse from Seamwork. It has clean lines which makes it a good choice for this wild, 1960s vintage polyester print. I even purchased vintage rayon bias tape! I’m making it to go with a skirt I have had for several years but have never really had the right top to pair with it. Be sure to follow my YouTube channel for a video about using vintage fabrics and a review of this pattern. I’ll have the video up by the end of the month.
Coat
You can blame Threads magazine for this coat project. They reviewed the pattern, and I couldn’t resist. I often use vintage fabrics or fabrics from other people’s stashes, but for this I purchased new pink faux fur. The lining is a piece of fabric from someone’s stash. The pattern is McCall’s M8049.
Hand pieced and embroidered quilt
I signed up for a block of the month club at Granny’s Legacy and never got around to working on it! Does that sound familiar? This year I’ve decided it will be my sit quietly in the evenings and sew project, which means, in addition to the wool applique handwork, I am also hand piecing the top. The pattern is called A Secret Garden.
Art
New Collage Art
You may remember my Annette Funicello paper doll collage I did last summer. Well, guess what? I also have some Pat Boone paper dolls, and Pat has everything he needs to go golfing. The finished collage will be available for purchase on Saatchi Art. Stay tuned for images and videos as I create this piece.
Always Learning
I am also taking Margarete Miller’s Collage on Canvas course. If you love collage art, you may be interested in her Collage Art Collective group. Visit her website for information.
Time to get busy!
Okay, I think that is enough for the first quarter of 2021. However, I know I’ll cram a few more projects in. You know I have to stay busy, so I don’t get in trouble!
As always, thank you for your support and kindness.