Hi ,

 

These are the times that try mens' souls. This has been a week of crisis and stress as the world reacts to the corona virus. I sincerely hope you are safe and well, and my goal with this week's newsletter is to share a little light and hope amidst the chaos.

 

This is not an easy time for anyone. I realized this weekend that I could sit and let the stress eat me alive, or I could find some strength, some solace and share it with you.

 

So for this week's podcast, I'm reading an essay, The Crisis, by Thomas Paine originally published in 1776. It is very clear to me during this time of the American revolution the country was in crisis, and Paine was hoping to inspire and encourage his countrymen to rise to the challenge of their day.

 

I found great comfort in reading this in the aftermath of our house flood in February. I hope you enjoy it as well as our usual news from around the house, posts I've shared, and more!

 

Note - jump to time 38:48 if you want to get straight to the narration of The Crisis:

It's official -- our fun Dream Big little Quilt Along has started!

 

For the next eight weeks we’re going to quilt the beautiful Dream Big Fabric Panel with a variety of free motion quilting and ruler quilting designs.

 

Unfortunately our Dream Big panels are out of stock, but, yes, we will be getting more in very soon!

 

 

I've also written an optional Dream Big Guidebook which includes diagrams of each design we're quilting and where I'm planning to use them on the panel. 

 

I've also included instructions on finishing your Dream Big quilt or how to turn it into a quilted garment using any commercial sewing pattern! This is how I'm turning my quilt into a quilted jacket:

Quick reminder - the Qnique 19 longarm is on sale for the month of March. Save $1000 on your longarm and get a huge accessory kit of thread, needles, bobbins, and a light bar for 1 cent more!

 

Happy late St. Patrick's Day! Hopefully this cute four leaf clover mini block will give you a little cheer during this unsettling time.

As always, here's a pictorial of what you'll need to quilt this mini block, shown below. You’re technically piecing mini Snowball Blocks to create the petals for your Four Leaf Clover. Just try to line up the squares even with the corners of the bigger square and piece right on the marked diagonal line.

You’ll want to trim your units down to measure 2-inches square before piecing your Four Leaf Clover Block.

So that's it for this week, . I know this is a difficult, unnerving time. Please take things one stitch at a time and don't let stress feed more stress. 

 

Enjoy making mini blocks or join us for the Dream Big Quilt Along. Keep your hands and your mind busy so you are ready to respond to any event with a clear mind and strong heart.

 

Stay safe. Be well. Wash your hands. And don't worry about the toilet paper!

 

Let's go quilt,

 

Leah Day