September is the traditional back to school month in the northern hemisphere. Because of this, it feels like the start of a new year, even if I am no longer a student and have never been a teacher. However, there are many students and teachers in my family. Not only is this year a new year for them, but returning to school will vary drastically from past years.
Remember when heading back to school meant shopping for new school clothes and basic stationery supplies? Now those supplies include PPE and online learning gear. My husband contributed to the cause, as lead architect and general contractor for this sleep/study piece of furniture.
The lower bunk bed is removable to allow access to two desks. Our granddaughters will be wearing noise canceling headphones will attending school online, from home several days a week. When they attend school in person on the other days, they will be protected by face masks made by me. This is their second set. In just a few months they out grew the ones I made for them at the beginning of the summer.
Apparently Grammie (that’s me) makes the most comfortable masks. The mask pattern I selected is from PrettyHandyGirl.com. I love the simplicity of it. It is also very easy to adapt and adjust as needed. These masks are half way between child and medium adult size. Just right for 6 and 8 year old girls. I line my masks with a rayon jersey fabric precisely because it is soft against the face, while being a tight enough weave to provide adequate protection. Since it is important to have masks fit correctly and gaps frequently occur around the nose, including a nose clip is essential. I use recycled coffee bag ties. They can be washed and bent over and over again.
School isn’t the only thing to open in September. This is the first day of SAQA’s benefit auction. SAQA’s mission is to promote the art quilt. The proceeds from the auction go towards the many programs SAQA provides for both members and non-members. The caliber of the artwork available through the auction is outstanding. Treat yourself to some eye-candy and check out the nearly 500 pieces available.
I am linking up with Nina Marie’s Off the Wall Fridays.
I’m excited for the SAQA auction of course I put way more quilts on my favorites list than I could ever afford, but it’s always exciting to watch!! The masks are super cute! I’ve just started another one for me, I’m embroidering on it first (just for some handwork), but it’s a new-to-me style, so we’ll see how I like it. My favorite style seems to be evolving as we go…
SAQA’s artists are so talented. I was very impressed to see 16 auction quilts were scooped up in the first hour. Perhaps sooner, but I just checked.
Your are so multi-talented Shannon. I saw your prayer book on Instagram. Your embroidery is uplifting, both the stunning design and vibrant colors. Your new mask is bound to make a fashion statement. My youngest granddaughter is the fashionista in our family. She selected the pink mask. No surprise, everything of hers is pink and purple, precisely why I chose that fabric. The older girl is a little more rough and tumble, fantasy and outdoorsy. I bought that cow print fabric several decades back. Discovered it in my stash and thought it would make a cute a mask.
Gwyned, it is so nice to see that eight years in Wisconsin contributed to your fabric selection for your granddaughter’s face mask!
You would think I bought that cow fabric when I was living in Wisconsin. However, this was not the case. I bought it while living in Massachusetts, brought it Wisconsin and brought it back with me to Massachusetts. It does make a for a fun mask.