Blue Mountain Quilters Guild Update for May 2020

 

Well, another month has gone by and we are no closer to getting together in the sanctuary of Trinity United Church. Regrettably, we are cancelling the June 5th meeting. The Board of Directors does not want to put anyone in jeopardy with regard to the Covid-19 pandemic. We hope all of you are staying physically and mentally healthy during this unexpected time of social separation.

For those of you making preemie quilts, batting, backing and labels are still available for distribution. Please contact either Dawna (604-941-6075) or Maureen (604-461-9750) to arrange for pick-up. We ask that you please keep the completed quilts until we get confirmation from the RCH NICU that we are able to deliver them.

I have heard from many of you in the past few weeks and am encouraged by the sewing activities that are keeping everyone busy during this ‘quilter in residence’ time. Members are making masks for friends, family and health care workers and/or constructing donation quilts and gift items for future use. There are numerous sewing tutorials on YouTube that can be accessed for sewing suggestions and instructions. There are also some stitching challenges available on Facebook and Instagram that I have been doing to keep my mind distracted and my hands occupied.

I know it is difficult to keep socially isolating when you have family and friends that you would normally see on a regular basis. As a single person, living alone, I have found it challenging to stay inspired and expend my pent up energy. I’m restless. Gas is inexpensive and I have nowhere to go! Darn!

Some of you are gathering in parking lots to show and tell while abiding the social distancing guidelines. I am asking that you keep the gatherings below the maximum allowable group numbers suggested by local health care professionals. You do not want to attract negative attention from members of the community or municipal government. Do carry on and stay safe. Being able to communicate in person certainly helps to keep spirits high.

Facebook and other social media has definitely helped many of us to keep in touch. I have been having Zoom meetings with fibre art friends south of the border so we can continue to show ‘work in progress’ and share ideas. We have had to cancel our monthly get together so we looked to technology to keep in touch. These meetings have given me a much needed boost despite technical limitations.

Check out the BMQG website and Facebook page for updates and other guild information. Noreen will update information as it comes available. A membership renewal form for 2020/21 is now online. Anyone wanting to renew before September is asked to seal the envelope with a dab of water or scotch tape before mailing. No licking, please.

Keep celebrating the healthcare and other essential workers that are keeping us safe, healthy and able to eat during this extraordinary life experience. Thank-you to our members that are included in that special group. I look forward to the day we can resume regular guild activities. As we keep hearing; we are all in this together.

Please contact me, via email, if you have any questions or concerns that need to be addressed. I will get back to you as soon as I can.

Bonnie  (bonita_rozander@telus.net)