My sewing machine is due for a check-up. I have to admit that I skipped last year’s annual tune-up and I believe I’m about to regret that. Trouble is, the nearest sewing machine repair dude is 1.5 hours away. He makes the rounds to local stores for pick-ups and deliveries, but I’m pretty sure that I’m at least 2 weeks away from having my machine back — plus I’ve been down for a week already. My hands are a little shaky. I’m in need of my sewing fix.

To fill the time in the early morning hours when I can’t sleep, I’ve been sitting at my computer searching for the magic crocheting or knitting YouTube video that will finally teach me how to use my hooks and needles. I also have a couple of quilts that I need to cut out so that when I’m mechanized again, I can whip out those projects in an afternoon or two.

Then yesterday I remembered a quilt kit I purchased a while back. It’s called Bertie’s Year and its a monthly series of blocks featuring a sweet little birdie who likes to dress up. (Can you see the beginning of a tiny little bee?) The flannel feels good in my hands. It satisfies my cravings for hand work, but I need to drop all the judgments about proper stitch length and enjoy the process — this is rustic piece, don’t you think?  If I can get all of the applique cut out and applied for each month’s block, it should be easy to add the finish work once my machine is back at hand. <I’m dreaming of a new machine — don’t get me started!>