I used to write goals. I used to pick a word for the year. I don’t want to do either this year. But I do want to get some things done. Maybe I need a list. So I’m asking myself, it’s 2021 – now what?
One of the projects I’m working on is the art quilt for the Indiana SAQA CoronArt Exhibit. It’s taken me so long to even decide on what I wanted to do for this 20 x 20 inch piece, but I finally made the decision. It’s been sitting printed out on paper for the last week or so. Every day I look at it and switch out the different fabrics, trying to figure out what I want it – what will speak what I want it to say. I’ve got until the end of the month to get it finished!
Another project is the Violet Protest Project. I just found out about it the other day, even though it’s been around since August. The Violet Protest is a public effort to send 50 hand-made textile squares to each and every member of Congress ​in support of these core American values: Respect for the other, Citizenship, Compassion, Country over party and corporate concern, Courage, Candor, Compassion, and Creativity. It’s about seeing us as one country – not red or blue states.
It’s due in the mail February 1, but it’s doable if you want to join in. All you need is red and blue fabric (I had to dye some since I didn’t have any!) and make a minimum of five 8 x 8 inch finished blocks. Or if you are a knitter, you can knit the squares just as long as you use the two colors. There are some great ideas from those blocks on the website that have already been received. Here is my fabric, and I’ll be working on these shortly.
Our Indiana SAQA is also doing a sort of telephone tag challenge. We have divided in groups of 5. Each person selects a picture of something like a landscape, flower or whatever. That picture is passed to the next person who makes a 12 x 12 art quilt, interpreting the picture in her own way. No one in the group will see the original pictures except the owner of the picture and the second person. So once the second person has completed her interpretation of that picture, she sends a picture of her 12 x 12 for the next person to interpret. At the end, the original photos will be revealed to the groups. It will be so interesting to see what everyone comes up with. We will be sending our original pictures out mid month, then the fun begins. But the problem is, I won’t be able to share it until it’s all over! Darn!
I will continue the monthly Fabric Postcard Art challenge, although like this month, it will be larger than a postcard. I’ll also be making more cards with those scraps. I didn’t show you the card and ornament I made for Dave this past year for our annual tradition. To read about our tradition, click here.
Dave made us a tree topper this year. Just what we needed!
And then there is that online class I’ve put on hold to get some other stuff done, and hopefully some videos since I’ve really neglected my You Tube channel. If you are interested in me creating a video on either a tutorial I’ve done in the past or something you’ve been dying to learn, email me at lsheines@gmail.com. I’m always looking for ways to make learning easier.
This time is a challenge for all of us with COVID, but I don’t know if you have this problem, but the blues pretty much creep in this time of the year. Usually it starts in late October and lifts in March. We usually visit a sunny place for a week or so in January which helps it, but we won’t be traveling this year. But that’s okay. The blues haven’t really started to get to me until just the last few days. So today I got out my light which I use for 45 minutes in the morning until March rolls around. I’ve used it for several years now, and it seems to really help.
That’s all for right now. Hope you are having a great week.
Sounds like you have gotten so organized for your days. This is wonderful. I like the idea of your phone exchange . Have a wonderful day
I love all the things you are doing! I too decided to participate in the violetprotest.com project, thanks to you mentioning it. I wasn’t sure I would have the time and materials for 5 squares, but found that they let you submit even one, so I have 2 completed and ready to go when I get the info from them about labels, etc. It was really fun, and I can’t wait to see the completed project!
Happy New Year, and stay busy and keep the light going… this time of year is hard for many, and the dark has so much to do with it. I’m lucky, I just sleep but I’ve heard from many that having that light to use really helps.
Wow, you are really busy — and that should help you combat the winter blues. I joined the violet protest and am mulling over ideas. Red is a color I rarely work with, so I may have to paint some. I also may look into SAQA after reading about your projects. To kill those winter blues you need to join me in Tucson!
Judy, So glad you joined! I’m working on mine now.
Sherrie, Yes, as long as I can keep going and not end up just sitting. Glad you joined. I am working on my first one this morning and it’s taking me longer than I thought. I won’t do this design for the next one. Something much faster. Yeah, that’s why I dyed some fabric since I don’t have that red. I dyed some blue and even overdyed it and still didn’t like it, so I was lucky to find a few pieces in my stash. SAQA has been so much better since COVID. Our Indiana group has a Zoom every month, as does the national group. It’s made it so much easier to get to know everyone. Yes, I do need to join you in Tucson!!
I like the red and blue you have dyed. Mine are finished and ready to mail. I blogged about them a couple of weeks ago. Have fun making yours and I look forward to seeing what you do.
Norma, Thanks. It was from reading your post the other day that I just heard about it!! So it’s your fault!! Thanks again.
WHAT NEXT . . . is such a great way to start off the year! And I loved reading about your projects thus far, Lynda. You’re a busy, productive gal and I’m so happy for you. Plus you’re so wise to use that light-box to help yourself thru the dulldrums of winter. Happy Creating sweetie!!! *** smiles ***
Ann, Thanks for dropping by and reading about my upcoming projects. You are too sweet!