Desert Threads Etc.

Okay I’m not trying to start a panic here but as quilters and crafters we sometimes need a reminder that the holiday season is coming and we need to get in gear.
One thing I’m finding out during this COVID-19 panic is that I do have a but more time to sew and indulge my passion. On the flip side of that I also have more time to procrastinate.

Soooooo I’m already busy planning my gift giving for 2020. That is, of course, after I finish the cute pumpkin placemats and napkins for fall.

Desert Threads has some cute classes scheduled to give your gift giving a little boost. January 29 is our Christmas Wreath wallhanging/table topper class and September 12 is a cute Sunflower Applique class using a freezer paper technique to make is nice and easy with amazing results.

Go to Victoria at 913 New York Ave., Alamogordo to see the samples and register for class

Register for all classes at Victoria – On Pins and Needles – 913 New York Avenue. Space is limited to meet Covid-19 requirements. Registration closes the Tuesday prior to class. Check or Cash only. Class supply list will be provided upon registration. Microwave and refrigerator available if you want to bring your lunch.

August 16: Sew N Sew: We had a full house and had a great time working on projects, laughing and just enjoying real human company. Again – limited participation as per COVID-19 requirements

August 19: Love You Machine I and II: Beginners. Part I – Learn how to maintain your machine, about needles, thread, and set up a good quarter-inch seam. Part II – Learn about fabric, rotary cutting, basic tools and an intro into free-motion if your machine has that capability

August 29: Make a log cabin wreath to use as a wall hanging or table topper

September 5: Make a large Jelly Roll Tote using left over strips. Add inside and outside pockets, straps and lining. Great for taking to class or shopping.

September 12: Sunflower – A Fast Applique Technique. Our own Susan Bolinger will show you a quick and easy appliqué technique using freezer paper.

September 19: Pumpkin Placemats complete with matching napkins.

September 20: Sew N Sew – limited seating.

September 26: Lets Make a Bag – super easy Christmas gift using easy free motion quilting and putting in that pesky zipper the easy way

October 6&7: Geraldine the Giraffe by Pam Holland – two-day class to make the ever popular Geraldine wall hanging.

Hope to see you there!

Can’t believe how fast time seems to be passing. Staying busy while working through COVID-19 restrictions. The classroom has finally opened and although restrictions limit classes to 5-6 it’s doable.

Want something to do with friends or family – take a class. A fun day away with friends and learning to quilt or do some scrapbooking if you’d rather. Consider Desert Threads, Etc. your little retreat for a day. Classroom space is available for scrapbooking, needle arts, quilting and who knows what else we can do.

Questions or ideas – contact me with a comment to the blog. Love to hear from you.

Saw this on Face Book and I burst out laughing. Just reminds me that I have a choice – I can let everything I see or hear about today’s world situation make me sad and depressed or I focus on what I can control and open myself to enjoying the wonderful things around me.

Not saying I’m not sympathetic to the injustices around me but I will act on my beliefs in they way that I think will help. I will make masks for my local community, friends and family. I will write letters for my representatives expressing my thoughts and act accordingly in my own life. I will NOT riot or place terrible comments on FaceBook. I will not tolerate the political rantings from either side on FB feed and I will use the delete button for what it was designed.

That said I WILL find something to smile about everyday and continue to be kind and courteous to my fellow human beings. Rant over.

As many of you are doing I have been busy making masks for family, friends, and to donate to our local hospital and Hospis center. It’s been both a satisfying and emotional process.

Satisfying in that it is a way I can help out the community and reduce my stash at the same time. Emotional in that the need even exists. As the bright new year of 2021 rose to greet me little did I realize that so many hopes and dreams would be lost around the world.

It is saddening to see small hometown businesses close and watch the unemployment numbers continue to rise. Yes, I am aware that this hardship is not new and I can read about similar crises from both World Wars, the 2018 flu pandemic, the stock market crash, and other significant event BUT this is the first time I’ve personally been part of it.

My own fledgling classroom opened just two weeks before we were told to close. I am blessed with the lady who owns the building. The business to my left closed its doors permanently last week. The business to the right, has been there for 35 years and just changed to add quilting fabric and supplies to its gift and accessories shop, has reopened but must make the pennies count to survive. Two other small businesses have closed along the street. On the flip I am opening this weekend and will continue to dream, look toward the future and help my struggling community.

I am saddened about the events that are happening around our country now. I feel for the gentleman who lost his life, for his family, and for the many great law enforcement personnel who are reeling under the negativity caused by the actions of a few. Changes are needed, violence won’t make these changes happen but we as citizens can make it happen.

Enough sadness for today, Needed to get it off my chest. Thank you one and all who are working to make a change, who are helping your community and it’s citizens and those men and women who, despite everything, must continue to protect us.