Hi ,

 

As of March 24th 2020, I have read we have a shortage of N95 face masks to protect medical staff and patients in some hospitals. In response, some hospitals are willing to accept homemade face masks.

 

Note - This mask is not intended to replace a N95 mask. It will not protect you at the same level, but it is better than nothing.

I have designed this pattern to be as simple and fast to sew as possible with the least amount of cutting and sewing.

This pattern is designed with an opening in the top so you can insert non-woven filter material into the middle of the mask.

 

I'm also working on an update to the pattern with instructions for using ties on the sides instead of elastic. I've heard from many quilters that all shops are out of thin elastic and I'm unable to source it from my suppliers as well. 

I know many families are now homebound with parents working from home and kids schooling from home too. First off - this is not easy! It's very challenging to work from home and be able to get anything done because there are so many distractions, temptations, and habits that stop your brain from engaging in work.

 

For this week's podcast I decided to share 10 tips for working from home with kids. I share all the major lessons I've learned from working from home for the past 14 years and how to balance that with a kid needing attention and fun times too.

 

Yes, I'm a tough love kinda mom. I set clear boundaries on my time and I back them up with consequences. And if I didn't do that, you wouldn't be reading this newsletter!

 

The thing I keep coming back to time and time again is this - it could always be worse.

 

Josh and I are juggling this coronavirus shutdown on top of repairing our house after a flood. We have both been working through very stressful days, but I know when all of this is over, we will be stronger and smarter and tougher for living through this challenging time.

I hope you’re ready for ruler quilting! This week we’re quilting the Dream Big fabric panel with Leaf Veins using the Super Slide or Mini Slide rulers.

 

 

Click Here to find the Dream Big Fabric Panel in the beautiful purple / teal aurora colorway. The bigger 56-inch panels are now back in stock! If you decide to make a quilted garment too, you may need more than one.

 

Click Here to find the Dream Big Guidebook – This is an optional guide to help you get ahead on this quilt along. You can learn which petals I turned into Double Petals and how the designs will fill the quilt panel each week. 

 

This guidebook also includes information on making both the Dream Big Quilt and Dream Big Jacket.

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!

 

I’ve always loved Carolina Lily quilt blocks, but making it mini was a bit tricky! I decided to simplify the pattern to work with Half Square Triangles and named it Leah’s Carolina Lily because this is my twist on this traditional block. 

Click Here to check out the whole tutorial for this week's Mini Block Monday.

 

Here’s a snapshot of the patchwork pieces to get you started:

So that's it for this week, . I know this is a scary time. I know this is a stressful time. Please try not to think about next week or next month. Focus on today and what you can make today with your hands to make a difference in yours or someone else's life.

 

Make a face mask for your family, then make a few to donate.

 

I found making these masks to be very comforting during a very stressful time. I've also heard from many quilters who are loving the distraction of Mini Block Monday and the Dream Big Quilt Along. 

 

Please share these videos with your friends and connect as much as possible through live chats and videos. Understand you are not alone and this time will eventually pass and one day you will look at that block or Easter basket or quilted jacket and think, "I made that during that global virus outbreak. What a crazy time, but I had fun making that."

 

Let's go quilt,

 

Leah Day