Received our first piece of political mail regarding the 2022 elections.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

I’ve seen ads on buses, billboards, in print and social media, but this is the first time it’s invaded my home.

Time to hunker down in the quilt cave and keep away from the madness.

Let’s look at pretty applique tulip blocks instead.

This morning, I eagerly signed up for events I want to attend at A Mountain Quiltfest in June. I carefully reviewed COVID policies on websites for both the event location and the event organizer. No mention of masks anywhere. When I went to the checkout box, the terms and conditions included a mask requirement for the entire time I would be attending the event. No, thank you. I declined to continue the transaction and reached out to both the event organizer and the class teacher.

Why?

The event’s not until June. It’s hot and muggy in Tennessee that time of year. Sevier County currently has no mask mandate in place. COVID cases are rapidly falling in the area. Hopefully, COVID will be in our rear view mirror by then. Why am I being asked to agree to wear a mask four months out from an event when COVID is on the decline?

I’m neither anti-vaxx nor anti-mask. I’ve been vaxxed, boosted and wear a mask at work/other places when necessary. Personally, I choose not to pay to attend all day quilt classes, concerts, and events where a mask is required. I find it ironic when a venue wants me to wear a mask at all times, use hand sanitizer and socially distance when patrons are seated elbow-to-elbow, like pre-COVID. Yes, this means that I’ve missed out on some awesome events I would have loved to attend. But that’s okay. There are plenty of other things I CAN do instead. It’s my choice.

I’m happy to report that the event organizer updated the language to make masks optional. I’m signed up for my events and look forward to my trip in June.

Did you know your library offers something for every part of your quilty life?

Pleasure reading: Check out crafty fiction by Marie Bostwick, Jennifer Chiaverini, Earline Fowler and others.
Quilty skill building: New books on quilting techniques you might want to try.
Keeping you company: Audiobooks to listen to while you stitch.
On the go: Magazines (and books) galore to download via the Libby app to read while you wait.
Social: Crafting and stitching groups that meet every week/month (or at least did prior to COVID).
Sharing: Libraries make an awesome space to display your work & collections. Ask a librarian for details.

For the quilter/sewist with a side hustle:
Access to SCORE, SBA and other small business workshops & seminars
Books, newspapers and magazines galore on entrepreneurship, business management and the like.
Free wi-fi and a place to work if you need it.
Meeting space for rent at reasonable rates.
The opportunity to market your biz by offering free classes, sponsoring an event or providing something the library needs (books, cushions, craft kits, etc.).

Tips from a professional librarian (ME!) to get the most out of your library card:
(1) Your library card is FREE. Make sure you sign up for one.
(2) Download the library’s app, the Libby app and whatever app the library uses for audiobooks.
(3) Book not at your local branch? Interlibrary loan is a free service that transfers books from another branch or library system for pick up at your local branch. Transit times vary and can take a couple of weeks (or more).