On Another (Jelly) Roll

 

I'm on another quilting roll. Last night I finished this top made from a batik Bally Pop Pack which I had won at the St. Cloud Heritage Quilters Show from Just Sew Studios several years ago. It was a quick finish, and I like the colors. It will work in a few different rooms in my house. I have to admit that I did not do it completely randomly, as is typically done with a jelly roll. Some of the colors just begged to be put together, so when I did the end to end sewing, I coupled them. From here I will sew another top, and then do machine quilting all at one time. 

I finished reading Theology of Home by Carrie Gress and Noelle Mering (Tan Books, 2019). I purchased it for a few reasons. First, to see what all of the hype was about, since I have seen their blog and merchandise. Second, to see if it would be a suitable bridal shower gift. Third, to glean from it anything helpful in honing in on my personal mission. The book contains lots of photos of the authors' and others homes and children. My first response in looking at the cover was, this home is definitely not my taste. It was a mix of way too many different styles of furniture and and picture frames. I had similar reactions to many of the photos in the book. Too many white walls and cold interiors. Arthur agreed. But it did contain pictures of some very cute kids! I had hoped that it would be a good "bridge" book that might draw a new bride back into the faith, but I do not think it would work for that. There are many quotes from Scripture and from the saints, and many sacred images and statues that would probably turn off a person who was not going to church. As for my personal mission, I did find a quote from St. Thomas Aquinas on beauty which I will add to my notebook for meditation. 

At present I am reading Ryann Topping's Rebuilding a Catholic Culture: How the Catechism Can Shape Our Common Life (Sophia Institute Press, 2012). I found a line that expresses the present understanding of active participation in the liturgy to a tee: "Where the older Liturgical Movement had sought to increase the participation of the faithful by a deepened understanding of the prayer of he Mass, the more recent trend simply encouraged people to become busy...." Perfect.

Free Motion Quilting

I had some fun today. I attended my usual Block of the Month class at Just Sew Studio. We learned the tree bark and slate block patterns today, also known as tongues of fire and mud puddles. I had spent the day at the shop last Friday doing free motion on one of my quilts, so my machine and I were ready to go today. After the six hours of practice on  Friday, I think I have found my speed! The patterns today were quite easy, so we all finished early. However, I chose to do my blocks in two different patterns. One pattern was an experiment in following the design of the fabric. It was harder than I anticipated, but I had been itching to try it for quite some time. I am glad that I was finally able to do so. I was able to sew so much longer today without a break. The relaxed muscles are another sign that I have found my pace.

After months of stagnation with vision therapy - well, also a few months' break because I was not taking the time to do the exercises -  I am "seeing" some break-through. What a difference in up-close TV Trainer from what I was able to do the last time. I usually play cards on the computer with the green acetate and left eye with red patch.So much easier than it was last time. The GTVT chart is also much easier. If I stick my nose almost onto the mirror, I can also actually see both eyes in the same shade of grey with the Polaroid glasses. That is encouraging! I am hoping that soon I will have my binocular vision. It has been a long haul. Vision therapy is great, but I am afraid that most people would not be able to invest the time and money that I have been able to put into it. Most adults work outside of the home. I am sure that a younger person would be able to retrain his brain much more quickly than I. I highly recommend starting at a younger age!