For decades I have gathered with some very special women in my life for a long weekend of scrapbooking. The core group includes my mom, my daughter, my aunt, my cousin, my sister-in-law and my niece. Traditionally, Martin Luther King weekend is our weekend as there is a long school holiday that makes it work for the students and the teachers and the caregivers that are left behind. 
This year it wasn't practical to be a part of the group in person but I was virtually close. My cousin, a retired teacher and a whiz at Google Meets, patched me in at the end of the table right next to her cat, Auggie.
This year I did not scrapbook but I offered my opinions, shared in the stories and shared in the camaraderie of the group as I continued work on my Coral Reef Quiltworx project. I spent the whole of an afternoon and most of an evening cutting and sorting pieces.
Here are just a few of them. I love all of the color and the movement in the batiks my daughter and I selected and each of them is truly a favorite for one reason or another.
The original Coral Reef Quiltworx Pattern suggests up to 8 colors to complete the pattern but we had to have 24. It has made the process a little more complicated but I have gotten the hang of it and again, I love how one color family blends and morphs into the next color family on the rainbow. You will have to wait just a little longer to view the big picture.
I did get quite a bit of sewing done and the hours flew past and more and more pieces are making it to my design wall.
After awhile, I quit pinning them up and just stacked them in piles. I am virtually done so one has to wonder what the next project might be. Here are two in the running.
Peaceful Snowfall has gorgeous navy and aqua colors, with pale backgrounds that reflect our winter skies. It feels like the perfect winter project especially with the moody winter days we have been experiencing lately.
The other Quiltworx pattern, Silver Shores, Alyssa colored in rich plums, deep purples, rosy blushes and a pinch of navy. I am leaning a little more towards Silver Shores since it is a slightly smaller project and spring is right around the corner.
Truly, I am not as virtually close to being finished with Coral Reef as I would like to think but I am enjoying the process and it will take as long as it takes. Somethings are meant to be enjoyed and not rushed. I am looking forward to working in person with Alyssa on our cooperative project in the very near future.
Although I missed out on the in person gathering, we all agreed, virtually close was close enough and a pretty wonderful solution. I am grateful for these special women in my life and that I was able to join them virtually. Connect with others and find something to bring you joy in these cold, winter days.
Until next time....Happy Sewing, Joy
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