Message from the President – October

Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.

It might not feel like it, but summer is over, andfall is here. It went by so quickly. But it seems like everything moves quickly now, especiallytechnology. Technology gets us todo things in anew way. There are countless examples that I could give. Just look around your house at the items you use every day, and think about how it was 20, 40, and 60 years ago.

How we quilt has changed a lot. Our sewing machines have changed a lot, from a single straight stitch to hundreds of fancy and decorative stitches. Our machines have become computerized with embroidery units and stitch regulators. Today we can use the internet to learn new techniques and methods in sewing and quilting. Anyone can take an online class with a teacher in a different area of the world.

Out of necessity, we are turning to online or virtual options. It is a temporary solution to let us meet and spend time in each other’s company. We have started to have virtual meetings. A couple of weeks ago there was a virtual sit-n-sew. Even though it was a small group, it was wonderful to see Guild members and spend time in each other’s company. Soon we will have a virtual retreat. With technology we are doing our regular things in a new way. We are learning what works, what doesn’t work, and figuring out how to do it differently. I hope that all Guild members can join me in trying new things. All it takes is stopping, looking around, and joining in so you don’t miss it.

Krista Cline

President’s Message – September 2020

The world always seems brighter when you’ve just made something that wasn’t there before. Neil Gaima

Right now, as we are spending time apart from our friends, family, and loved ones it seems the days of self-quarantine and social distancing are dragging on forever. Will life ever stop being the new normal and get back to the regular normal?

I’m trying to stay out of a funk by spending as much time as I can in my sewing room. Creating something with fabric is bringing me joy. I am finding that as much as I like starting new things, finishing a project and being able to say “I made this” feels really good. Now I just need to keep working so that I have a few less “I’m making this” and a few more “I made this”. What have you made?

Krista Cline

Message from President – June 2020

We are currently living in a time of great stress.The COVID virus is causing us to stay at home and away from family and friends. Wearing masks and keeping distances when we do go out. Isolating ourselves to try to keep healthy. Doing all this to “flatten the curve”. And when restrictions are starting to relax, the curve starts rising again. Societal inequalities are being brought to the forefront of our vision, and people are saying “No more, this has to stop!”. Sometimes in peaceful ways, sometimes in non-peaceful ways. And while it is tempting to sit and complain about everything that is happening, we should be finding a better way to do things and bring positivity and peacefulness to our lives. Everyone has their own way to do that, but as quilters we have a special way.

As individuals, groups, cities, and a nation, those of us who sew have put aside our other projects and made facemasks to help protect every- one from COVID-19.
We have made quilts for those who have been through tragedies and life changing events. There are many other things that we can do to make this world a better place. And if you can’t think of something that fits for you, there is nothing wrong with sitting with fabric, thread, and a needle, pouring love into a project. That project could be just the thing that makes someone else’s life better

Krista Cline

In times of great stress or adversity, it’s always best to keep busy, to plow your anger and your energy into something positive. Lee Iacocca

 

Masks

Many of you have asked for what masks can we make for the Pandemic.  This is a link that Baptist Health has request we make.

https://www.instructables.com/id/AB-Mask-for-a-Nurse-by-a-Nurse

Also they are making them for the surgical wrapping the H600 wrap.  If anyone can get their hands on some let us know.  These are supposed to be a great filter like the N95.

Thanks

Message from Krista

To my fellow Coastal Quilters,

During this time of closures,  social distancing, and necessary precautions regarding COVID-19, I want to take a few minutes to address future Guild activities.  I will follow what Leslie does with the Neptune Beach Senior Activity Center.  If the Center is closed, then there will be no meetings or classes.  When the Center re-opens, then I am willing to resume our meetings and classes.  At that time, however, I recommend that everyone continue to take the proper precautions to keep yourself and others safe and healthy.

I hope that everyone in the Guild stays well and comes out of this world-wide crisis in one piece and I look forward to seeing each other when its over.

Krista

(Reposted from 3/22/20 email)