Making Pillowcases

I taught nine people how to sew yesterday. We made pillowcases using the burrito method, which is always a bit magical.

I simplify this pattern for the class and leave off the narrow flange. I prepped combinations of print fabrics and Kona solids and each student got to choose. Four of my students were tweens/teens and five were adult women.

They all asked for more classes—specifically an apron class—so I will look at the schedule and see what I can arrange. Free Saturdays are a precious commodity. A few of them also asked about knitting classes. One of the mothers said the local homeschool group would love to have someone teach knitting, and that can be done during the week.

[One of the many things I appreciate about living in Montana is how many parents homeschool their kids. Every homeschooled child I’ve encountered has been intelligent, thoughtful, and accomplished. These parents are committed to making sure that each child has a whole arsenal of skills, and those skills aren’t broken down by gender. Plenty of boys sew and plenty of girls know small engine repair. We have a strong local 4-H group, too, that plays a big part in getting these kids ready to head out into the world.]

I’ve got to watch that I don’t overschedule myself, though. I had a massage Friday morning and played for the funeral Friday afternoon, then taught all day yesterday. I play at church this morning. Tuesday is my serger mastery class in Missoula and Wednesday is a cardigan class here in Kalispell. I am trying to maintain a good balance between being out in public doing stuff and keeping everything here running smoothly.

I am on my third massage therapist. The first one I had—for many, many years—moved to a different state. The second one, who worked at a local spa, is no longer at the spa and I haven’t been able to find out where she’s working now. The one I went to on Friday is young but she’s good and I am going to attempt to see her regularly. Massages might sound like a luxury, but I don’t get them for relaxation. I get them to help keep my body limber so I can stay active as I get older. I consider it money well spent if it helps me to avoid problems down the road. And this young woman has a good appreciation for alternative therapies. We all know how much I dislike the medical establishment, and I will do whatever I have to in order to avoid doctors’ offices.

While I was teaching yesterday, the husband worked on the BMW. Here we see him in his natural habitat:

I will be glad to have my station wagon operational again. I miss it.