The weather channel and news this week has been about this big storm that is going to come through the Midwest later in the week. I have no interest in the amount of snow, but the ice forecast is a warning about possible power outages. So how do I deal with winter weather and quilting?

My take on winter weather

I am not in control of the weather (that is God’s job) – but I can be prepared for possible scenarios. In the winter, this means dealing with the woodstove and cold. The next concern is hot drinks and meals.

There is plenty of cut wood in the woodshed. Over the next couple of days we will bring at least a full day of wood inside. The wheel barrel will be filled, tarped and put by the back door.

I checked my supply of canned soup and will get a few more cans. I will also pick up some potatoes and apples. There is plenty of tea, coffee, and hot chocolate mix. Make sure you have food that can be eaten cold, or that you can warm up easily.

This girl does not go out on icy roads with crazy inexperienced winter drivers. Why do they think that four-wheel drive means that they can speed along no matter the road condition?

No power and still quilting

It is no secret that I keep several quilt projects in various stages. Part of my reasoning for this is simply that when I get bored with one project, I will move to another.

Part of it is that I live in the country, and power outages are common – even in good weather. I keep a good stock of lamp oil and candles on hand “just in case”. They are kept ready to use so when there is a need they are ready.

I looked thru the pile of started projects this morning. Two quilts are done except for completing the binding – easy to do by oil lamp light.

Um…I need to cut more pieces for the mystery quilt. I will iron the fabric I need today and hang it on a hanger so it will be ready to be cut by oil lamp light if needed.

There is an applique block I can work on by hand. Because it is more detailed, I will need to have a couple of oil lamps on the table if I work on this.

Making more light

For those of you who don’t normally use oil lamps or candles – be safe.

I put the candles in glass bowls or in canning jars to use. Do not let small children touch them.

Oil lamps are easy to fill and use – again keep small children away from them.

Every time I have to use candles or oil lamps for a few hours or more, I am so thankful for electric lights.

One way to get more light from candles or oil lamps is to put something shiny behind them. I keep mirrors in various sizes around just for this. In a pinch, covering a piece of cardboard with aluminum foil and using behind said light source will make more light.

Always use caution when using these non-electric light sources. Keep them on stable flat surfaces. Do not just randomly move them from place to place, especially if there may be tripping hazards. Use common sense.

Get comfortable

If the power is out – it is simply out. There is no point to complaining about what may have been planned for today or this week. Do something constructive with the time.

People lived thousands of years without power. It does make life more complicated in some ways, but a little planning goes a long way.

Look around your home. That camping gear you have in the garage will work great for light, heat, and cooking. Clean and fill it now while there is electric to make that easy.

Wash those clothes or blankets you may need later. Having clean clothes goes a long way toward making life more bearable during crisises.

If you are in a city and do not have access to non-electric items now is the time to find out where shelters are you can go to.

Get your quilting projects ready to do without electric sewing machines or electric lights. Use the time to remember our quilting ancestors who lived like this every day. I promise it will give you a new appreciation for how hard it was to make a quilt.

Please don’t let the forecast scare you. And remember, it always a good time to be prepared for winter weather and quilting.

PLEASE NOTE: 
ALL PHOTOS AND WRITTEN CONTENT ARE MY OWN UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.