I Spy II

  Trying to finish up projects while I'm on lockdown...I find I'm slower than normal as my days don't have much structure and I've always been better in a structured situation. When I was a public school teacher, I accomplished more in a day than any other time....I guess there were no other choices....also a tad bit younger....... 

  

One of the things on my list was to finish "I Spy #2" for my 2 great nieces - twins....I made the first "I Spy" and a wall hanging for their room...but they should each have their own "I Spy" to drag around. This one is a little different and I do like this pattern better.

My first choice for a backing was this darling "doggie" fabric. The girls - Ellie and Abby have a dog (maybe 2) and thought they would love this....but then I got to thinking...

hmmmmmm....flannel is such a nice backing...so much softer but often hard to find the big selection you want.

While looking through my blocks, I found one was a ladybug and almost identical to the flannel so voila...think I found my backing. I washed it several times to make it shrink as much as possible and it worked perfectly....now to send it off.
 On another note, everytime I sit and sew or do something that fulfills my heart and day, I do think of all those on the frontline, having to leave their home, working so hard to make things safe for us...I want to give a big Shout Out and a heartfelt thanks to each and everyone...

Making Masks

Hunkered down and doing fine is what I wish for you....I'm pretty okay with it as I have lots of unfinished projects, redecorating the master bedroom, solitary walks, cleaning out and just embracing the down time. It's a big adjustment when going anywhere essential with masks, hand sanitizer, keeping a distance...etc. but most everyone seems to be complying. I think sometimes a national emergency like this brings out the best in people...the reaching out, thinking to call, leaving little things on your porch steps, sharing funny stories...I could go on and on...but my heart is lightened by the actions of so many selfless people who's only concern is for others and their well being.

 I've been doing my very small little part by making masks...I have the fabric and lots of time....I started by making every neighbor in my subdivision a mask. I live in a small community so it was not overwhelming. I know many of them so well, I was able to hone in on their hobbies and find fabric to suit them.

 My neighbor Ruth who is a darling loves to garden - both veggies and flowers; her yard is a joy to see. She grows many vegetables including carrots and invites my granddaughter over to pull the carrots, wash them off and feed them to the horses nearby. It is a memory my granddaughter will keep forever.....so her mask...some veggie fabric.

 My neighbor Frank has had bears in his yard...and yes we even have a video (filmed from our car) so I found some wonderful bear fabric for his mask...

I've also made some smaller ones for the kiddos and my granddaughter in Atlanta. They were the most fun as I could use lots of color and sparkly fabric....Next up....is some for Manna Food Bank in Asheville, NC.
I was wanting to keep a journal of this very scary, crazy, unpredictable time in history...but it's sometimes hard for me to write ....This is one for the history books and although very sad, scary and unpredictable, I'm glad to have experienced this.........getting to witness the very best side of us as Americans is priceless.......thank you to everyone.... getting up every day to go to work, working tirelessly to save lives, stocking supermarket shelves and everything in between.. God bless you all ....