Quilt Camp Ends

I did not mean to take a break from blogging.  In the past, I've often had time to blog, but this year, I was trying to get a sermon written and to keep up with all the classes I'm teaching, which meant I needed to log in periodically.  Other than those times, I haven't had the computer on at all, which has been heavenly in a way, in most ways.  I haven't had my usual early morning writing time because I've left the house just after 6 a.m. to open the Faith Center for early morning quilters--and this year, we had more early morning quilters show up than ever before.

Let me record some wonderful moments, and to note that there wasn't much in the way of any moments that were less than wonderful. 

--I am almost done repairing the old quilt that we've been sleeping under since 2005.  I still need to complete the binding on two sides, which is more complicated than it seems.  It's at the edges of the quilt that I need to make decisions about whether or not I cut the extra fabric or tuck it under the binding.  The edges are already thick with 4-7 layers of fabric from the old quilt.  

--My fingers ache.  I quit sewing yesterday when I realized that my forearms also hurt, and I worried a bit about feeling the twinges that could become carpal tunnel syndrome if I'm not careful.  I was thinking of a librarian-artist I knew who spent a week-end cutting paper for an installation art project and pushed on past the pain of her wrists and eventually needed surgery.

--I tried a variety of thimbles to protect the pads of my fingers.  The silicone one was best, except it still allowed the occasional needle stick.

--I will always sew by hand--it's a soothing thing to do while also having other activities going on, like TV watching or visiting with family.  But the day is likely upon us when I will stop doing some of the rest of it by hand, particularly for bed-size quilts.  One of my Quilt Camp buddies told me about a woman who will do some basic quilting with her long arm machine and even provide the batting, for just $100.00.  It sounds too good to be true to me.

--But now, I don't have to sew by hand.  One of my other Quilt Camp buddies brought me a sewing machine to have, and it's a good little machine made by Bernina.  No, it's not the high end version.  It's their budget model--but it will even do button holes.  I did a bit of sewing with it, and it's a dream.

--I have a vision of starting to assemble quilt tops for Lutheran World Relief.  I have so much fabric, and I continue to collect more.  The machine will help with this process.

--My feet are also sore this morning.  We took more walks than we usually do.  Or maybe this daily walking at 3:00 will be the new normal at Quilt Camp, as more people realize it's an option and that it's good to get up and move around more than just going to the bathroom or the snack table.

--I can scarcely believe Quilt Camp is over.  There's always a moment before it starts where I savor the beginning, while also knowing how fast it will fly by.  And now, it has.  As always, what I cherish most is the chance to reconnect with friends.