For over 10 years now, I have not been able to spend my time in the way that I wish, in regards to my hobby. I admit that I could have been more active, had I been a bit more driven, but I honestly feel that had I really been serious about writing a quilt book, designing patterns, or even finishing my many, many projects, something would have come up to put a wrench in the gears. I think that these years are over, and you are the ones who are setting me straight. Funnily enough, you probably don’t even realize that what you are doing in your day to day life, affects and inspires me to move forward.
In these recent years, I have had a lot of quit in me. This is where I have been putting things on the later log, but I am thinking that it is time for me to get back to my normal, driven, very productive ways. I recently submitted a quilt to a publication for consideration in an upcoming issue. I have had quilts published in the past, so I am familiar with the process. I sent in the required documentation. I waited. I followed up. I waited. I never received a response. So, I submitted to another publication, and I am waiting on that one. And you know what? I might not hear from them either. But at least I am focused. Instead of just giving up and tossing it to the side as I have been doing, I plan on driving forward with a plan B, plan C, plan D if I have to. There are so many things that I can do, and I am beginning to be excited again about actually doing them.
You want to know something? I was heavily influenced by you though. You should know that I care about what you are doing. I follow your social media to see what you are making and to be inspired by your work. I see your quilt projects, or your travel pictures, or the progress that you are making by organizing your sewing room. I look forward to your opinion on books that you read, movies you watched, and restaurants that you have visited. I am simply a person who cares about what you are up to. If you have not heard from someone recently about how much they appreciate you posting to your blog, posting a picture to Instagram, responding to a comment in Facebook, or making a tutorial in a Youtube video, I want to be the person who thanks you. I am grateful to the community of quilters and crafters that drive forward every day. You kept me in check. Sometimes life has a bad wifi connection and the only thing to do is to disconnect and reconnect again. Reboot. I think that’s it. I needed a reboot. I thank you for that.
Button Counter 
Thank you, Monica! I, too, love keeping up with your IG stories and seeing all your progress pictures. One day I hope I can read a book you write about reproducing reproduction quilts! You have such an amazing eye!
oh, hi! Thank you for stopping by. Let’s just see if I can get this quilt along quilt that I am working on that The Root Connection is hosting. It’s fun being back on track. Have a great day, Helga!
What a touching post, Monica. I love your thoughtfulness and willingness to share with people who care about and are inspired by you, too. Welcome back!
Thank you, Gayle. There are piles and piles of good things calling to me. I am trucking along on a quilt along hosted by The Root Connection. I am enjoying the creative process.
Awesome tutorial and sweet thoughts on coming back to things you love…Me too! Bless you for being on point about your allergies, I will try that too. Thanks, Alice DT
Thanks, Alice! I will be back on soon to try to figure out how to share an applique block pattern.
I’m glad I know you, Monica! Social media is a great way to get acquainted, and as you say it does for you… drives me to inspiration and doing. I’m grateful that you’re into vintage fabrics, and that I can follow your makes. I’m linking a blog post to yours, and looking forward to reading more about the projects that make you tick. (I hope you were successful at getting published!)
I love your picture tutorial!!!
It is easy to follow! Ignore the nay sayers.
I see several hospitals asking for facemasks and one of them directed me to your website. So I am going to give it a shot. Thanks for the detailed instructions.
Thank you! I hope it is easy to follow for you. The first one goes a bit slower that the ones that you make after the first. Enjoy.
Your mask pattern was mentioned on MSNBC tonight by Rachel Maddow because of the shortage of masks for medical personnel staffing the coronavirus pandemic. The CDC allows this in the event that other masks are not available. I’m bringing this to my quilt group this week. Thanks for sharing.
Kathy, I am so glad that this will be able to help people in need. It is such a small contribution to a bigger story. Thank you for sharing. I am very appreciative.
Saw the call for help on Rachel Maddow MSNBC for volunteers for each to sew 100 of these to help with the shortage, promised by our leader, but not delivered and now we are asked to spread the word for they will be needed. I just need to know if the material should be 100 per cent cotton and should we use material that can if needed be material that can be washed, bleached and dryer dried? Is there a way to add a plyable piece to form over the nose area? These may be only needed for non surgical use. Thank you so much if you can help.
Hi Monica, I’m a retired 62yo gay guy who’s only sewn buttons before. (Some better than others.) Well, that and Scout patches 50 years ago! I have been wanting to learn to sew (on a machine) and have a Craigslist sewing machine. Your mask tutorial is just the ticket! I understand the steps having watched YouTube videos on basic techniques. Gotta get an iron though. Thank you! Not only can I start a fun hobby – but I can help out in a national crisis. And maybe even save a life.
Thank you so much for taking the plunge. My brother sews too, though not as often. There are many supportive folks in the sewing crowd, and we’re happy to trip up and flub through the sewing projects right along with you. Welcome to the adventure. You are in good company.
I couldn’t find any so I made my own a few weeks ago, I’m willing to help.
Thank you for the tutorial on the face masks. It is a great resource for all of us who want to help. As we work together we can and do make a difference. I’m going to make one for myself because I have allergy induced asthma. The mask should help. Thanks again! God Bless
Thank you so much for such a great tutorial. I saw the link to your site off a news article with the Oklahoma hospital. I live in Kentucky and have family all over. I mentioned I was going to try to make some masks and suddenly have many family members asking me to make them some. I have a daughter in Florida who is a nurse and I want to be able to give her some (I don’t think they are allowed at her hospital at this time but at least she could have it for at home or out shopping for groceries. I’m praying I can do a good job and have plenty of supplies. This will also be very helpful with my and my daughters allergies. I do have some cotton material but I believe I have more poly cotton, I’m not sure if that would be ok to use or not. I plan on using the cotton, at least until I run out. Thank you again. Your information and tutorial is so much appreciated. Blessings!
Disappointed that we could not print this mask tutorial, looked good but will use pattern from another site.