Traveling to Mecca

Hello form the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, KY!  Well, actually, I'm not there anymore, I'm back home trying to keep up with this summer that seems to be racing by us!  But, my family did make the trip to Paducah--the Quilter's Mecca-- this past weekend.  The museum is absolutely amazing.  These are not your Grandma's quilts; these quilts are art in it's truest sense.  Beautifully imagined by their creators and made with the best of craftsmanship, each one is the creme de la creme of quilts.  I don't know that I'll ever be as skilled as any of the artists.  Even my husband, who had already relegated himself to boredom, was awed by what he saw.  If you get the chance to make it down there in the near future, they are currently displaying a Civil War Quilt Exhibit that is amazing. While in Paducah, we visited several quilt shops, including Eleanor Burns "Quilt in a Day" shop and the famous, and overwhelming, Hancock's of Paducah.  I can't even begin to guess the number of fabric bolts they have in that store.  By the time I'd left, I was in sensory overload!  The next day, we headed over to Louisville, KY where we attended a worship service that left me speechless at Southeast Christian Church.  It was a great weekend.  The best part was that prior to leaving on this trip I had completed my daughter's school lunch tote and once it went public on my Facebook page, I immediately received five orders.  I have to admit, it is SUPER cute!

After returning home from Paducah, we released the Painted Lady butterflies my daughter had been raising and I was able to get this amazing photo. 

Wednesday my little one headed off to church camp for 2 1/2 days.  She had a blast and even though I missed her like crazy, I know experiences like this are helping her grow into a stronger person and stronger Christian. As for me, I fully intended to really sew! sew! sew! while she was gone, but instead, I just hung out with my husband and enjoyed some time alone with him.  While I'm glad I made that investment, I now have A LOT of work on my plate for the next couple of weeks.  

Tomorrow is another class day.  A throw pillow class and a pattern reading basics class with my usual group of ladies who I just adore. 

I truly enjoy writing this blog each week.  I am blessed to be able to express myself this way, I am blessed by all the friends and family who have supported me from day one in prayer, sales, orders, promotion and by word of mouth.  I appreciate all the wonderful comments, compliments and feedback I have received that has kept me encouraged.  As always, you have my gratitude.

  

Spoiled Little Princess

Good Evening!  We made it home safely from our Virginia getaway and life continued on as usual.  Today I taught the first "Make Your Own iPad Case" class.  I'm only offering this class one time this year.  I have so many other projects I'd like to share, I am ready to move on.  I'm not happy if I don't have seven projects going at once and I guess I want all my students to be in that predicament too! Lol!  Nevertheless, these ladies did great and took home some beautiful creations.  A lot of fun was enjoyed, and I believe some new friendships made, as well.

As I mentioned last time, my online shop has been crazy busy! You won't hear me complaining, I love shipping new orders out to places far and near.  I feel like a little piece of me gets to visit all over the world!

My husband's truck decided it was wanting some attention in the form of some transmission work..no big deal...transmissions are cheap! Right! This new little expense now jumped ahead of the need to get the windows installed in my porch so construction can begin on my shop.  Pair that with the fact that our rental property still hasn't sold and of course, there are expenses incurred in carrying a property that is sitting empty.  I would be lying if I didn't tell you that I became discouraged---beaten down, really.  I began to question whether this "quilting thing" is really my calling by God and that maybe these things were His way of telling me that I just needed to grow up and work my nice little job like everyone else does and just be content with what I have.  I spent some time in prayer--a little ranting, a lot of pouting, really.  I let God know I was angry.  I behaved like a spoiled little princess---and you know what?  God showed up. Despite my ingratitude for a life already enormously blessed, He showed up.  That day we had three showings on our rental property and two offers--a multi bid scenario-- and it is now in contract for list price!  We're not having a party yet, there are still at least 45 days, an inspection and appraisal between us and "SOLD," but He did not forsake me.  He didn't let me give up on this dream.  I hope you realize, my friends, God loves you more than anything and He can handle your anger.  You're not going to spew anything at Him that He doesn't already know is in your heart.  He knows your innermost thoughts, He knit you together and knows you better than you know yourself.  You can't surprise Him, and if you let Him, He will show up in your life too.  As I said, my situation is not in the "happily ever after" stage yet--I don't know what will happen next, but God let me know that this dream is real and that maybe it isn't time for me to grow up quite yet.

Let Freedom Ring!

Happy Fourth of July! I'm writing today's post from the comfort of the home of our very good friends, Bill and Becki and their three almost-grown sons who live in Virginia. This sweet family used to go to our church where Bill served for many years as the Associate Minister and Worship Leader. My husband and I got to know them well singing with them in our church's worship team. About six years ago, Bill took a position at his current church in Virginia where he now serves as the Senior Minister. Since they moved, a Virginia vacation has become a yearly tradition for our family. Each year, we visit different peripheral locations for fun while we're in the area. This year was no different--we visited Washington and Lee University, historic Lexington, Va, Virginia Horse Center, historic Staunton and Charlottesville. I have recently decided that my new mission is to "quilt shop hop"--visit quilt shops in every location we visit to get ideas for my own quilt shop. I want to experience the elements of each quilt shop that invite you to return. The quilt shop pictured above is located in Staunton, VA. This was an adorable shop in an old railroad station that invited you in immediately with the sweet smells of handmade bath soaps. We went on to Charlottesville, VA where we visited the quilt shop pictured below. 

This shop, located in a strip mall, lacked the charm of the shop in Staunton, but was also a Bernina dealer (yes, I am in the market for a new machine) and had some very knowledgeable and helpful staff. After a nice chat, we moved on to our friend's house. Last month during a visit to Niagara Falls, I visited the next shop in a town called Niagara on the Lake. 

I have also used this trip as an opportunity to "clear my creative head," watch some online quilt classes and tutorials and get some new ideas for my upcoming product lines. It's so easy in my line of work to try to spread oneself too thin and make too many things in an effort to appeal to EVERYONE.  I believe it is necessary every once in awhile to "retreat," regroup and refocus. I'm probably not the only "artsy-fartsy" type of person whose head just sometimes swirls with ideas so it's definitely a good thing to get grounded. 

Things otherwise have been busy. The last beginner's class is finishing up.  Next Saturday I'll be teaching the first "make your own iPad" class followed by the "frame it up" throw pillow class in two weeks.  I've offered to my returning students a "class pass" to enable them to take unlimited classes through November. My online shop has picked up considerably this month and work is in progress on my home-based shop.  I'll be calling a window professional on Monday. 

"Frame it Up" 18 inch Throw Pillow

So, for now, I plug along, but after this trip, I do it with a bit more clarity and defined direction. I've made a list of 28 items that will be featured in my first catalog as I embark on my future home parties. I'm free of some of the confusion I was experiencing recently; but I feel fireworks inside my heart and mind when I think of the independence and freedom I hope to someday gain from this venture. 

Super Moon

Sitting here LATE on a Sunday night--well really, it's so late, it's now Monday morning and I'm sitting here staring at the Super Moon.  I just finished sewing a top for an 18 inch throw pillow that is my next project.  I am offering this project as a class and also as kits or as a custom order.  Classes galore coming up as we make our way through summer.  I am finishing up with the last two beginner's classes over the next couple of week.  These are the last of this class until October.  Coming up, watch for throw pillow classes, table runner classes, appliqued throws,  iPad case classes and many more.  I am offering my class patrons a class pass so they can take unlimited classes for one price.  I recently purchased a die cutter to help cut applique kits.  It's out of the box, but as usual, it's taking me a few days to actually get around to making friends with it.  I'm really excited about the die cutter in that it will help me teach my classes how to applique and open a new market for my kits.  My online shop plugs along pretty well.  I'm still averaging about one sale per week which still keeps me busy and keeps my inventory turning over often enough.

All in all, business is good and the summer is busy.  The new tote I am offering for custom order has not caught on like I had hoped, but that's fine.  My daughter loves using hers on her summer camp pool days.  I've got a few more purse ideas cooking and I'll be introducing a school lunch bag in time for back-to-school.

I was getting a facial and (overdue!) eyebrow wax yesterday, and my esthetician agreed to allow me to hang a couple wall hangings in her salon.  She is the owner, and a very nice lady who enjoys helping other small business owners where she can.  Currently, she has displayed paintings by a local artist.  I'm really excited for this local exposure and plan to get then done in the next month so I can have them ready by my next facial.  I'll be ordering the fabric tomorrow to begin that project.  My daughter and I will be starting her bed quilt in fun floral prints.  It is so much fun to sew with her.

Things have slowed down some, as they do ebb and flow in any business.  It would be easy to become frustrated but the other day I received this sweet message on Facebook messenger from a woman that used to attend our church.  She sews as well (I mean she actually knows how to sew EVERYTHING like a true professional--she's not a straight-lined quilting poser like me! Lol!) and wrote to me to express how proud she was of my success and was so encouraging in her message.  That's when I realized that God provides everything we need in His perfect timing.  Her message made my day and reignited my motivation.

Today, my minister's message was about extending hospitality to people--inviting them to your home just so you can get to know them and show the love of Jesus to them.  That struck a chord with me as well, as one of my current students who is another church member and has been coming to my home for her quilt class has been having serious behavioral issues with her little girl.  Someone who started out as an acquaintance at church, has found in me someone she can talk to about her struggles and we have become good friends.  Old fashioned hospitality really works to build relationships and quilting of all things, opened that door for me to get to know someone better that I might otherwise not have made the time or effort to get to know.  "I'm so busy" is our mantra now--what are we missing out on?

So until next time, I'll be finishing up my class samples--two different throw pillows.  My daughter and I will be starting on her bed quilt and I'll be making those wall hangings for Serenity Salon.  We'll fit a couple more vacations in there too...but for now, I'm going to go back to admiring this amazing moon and go to bed like a normal person.  Be who you are...chase your dreams and relentlessly pursue who God called you to be.  Good night.

Summer is for Sewing!

Its been a couple of weeks since my last post. Our family survived five straight days of soccer tryouts at three different local clubs. The Sunday following tryouts is "call day" and families wait by the phone starting at 2 PM to find out what offer their child will get. My little one made the U10G Premier Team, she will be returning with five of her previous teammates and has a phenomenal coach who played for his European national team. We can't wait to get started with training. 

For the Memorial Day holiday weekend, we headed back to our hometown to visit and decorate graves of family members.  When we visit, we always stay with my mom's brother and his wife.  The quilt you see above was made by me as a Christmas gift for them about eleven years ago. They have used it regularly ever since and it still looks pretty good for it's age. It brings a smile to me to see that this thing I made still makes them think of me and all the quilts or gifts I make, even for non-family members, carry a piece of me.  There aren't too many things we do in this life that allows us to say that--many of us spend most of our lives pursuing things that don't really matter at all. 

My inaugural boot campers completed their table toppers.  My second class is knee deep in piecing and I have another class starting this Tuesday. I've launched a new product, a reversible tote in time for the summer pool and beach season.  I've actually swiped a pattern from a Craftsy class for this one just because it was a great project that was simple and practical. Love it! 

So now our family kicks off our summer with the first of three planned vacations. We have always kept up a pretty fast-paced lifestyle so our vacations mean a lot to us.  It's our way (especially for me) to be forced to slow down and just be together. 

Summer 2013 will bring more classes, (hopefully) more custom made products, and work beginning on my home-based quilt shop.  The plan now is to kick off my grand opening with a crafters/consultants open house at summer's end and I've already got a couple of independent business owners registered for booths. Riding the waves and excited to see where they take me....thanks for riding along. 

Goal Baby!

Another custom order finally completed! I absolutely LOVE this table runner, and I won't lie, it looked darn good on MY table! But, it gave my customer a lot of joy and even her nine year old daughter loves it and now wants a table runner for her dresser top!  That's alright with me. This project was made from fabrics by Anthology Fabrics which I carry in my shop.   I love all the color in this one.

Our rental property is officially sale-ready and has been on the market now for about one week.  We've had three showings and great feedback so now we wait for someone to love it.  The neat thing has been that I have been using the property as a classroom for my current boot camp class and it has worked out wonderfully.  My boot campers have one week left to reach completion of their table toppers, and they have been fantastic students.  I will miss this little group, but they will take future classes with me and I will be starting two more sessions of the beginner's boot camp, one starting Sunday and another beginning in June.  

As I complete another custom order iPad case and prepare for my next new class, our family is preparing for soccer tryouts week.  It is actually more "trying" on the parents! Once school is out and my daughter's commitments subside, we'll have a lot more time for sewing!

My husband has agreed to fix up my screen porch and help me transform it into a mini quilt shop.  My dream comes true small-scale! I'll keep you updated on that as it progresses.  My goal is to have it completed by the end up August for my Grand Opening which I will celebrate while hosting a crafters/independent consultants open house.  Before that, I need to get a catalog together...my days are not long enough!

So, tonight I am very tired.  Between work, my business, my daughter, my church activities and the upcoming soccer tryouts...I am beat!  Forgive me for cutting tonight short.  I'll be in touch soon.  Until then, have a wonderful Memorial Day!

Boot Camp, Bible Covers and a Log Cabin

This week's post is going to be somewhat short.  It's late on a Saturday night and I'm kicking myself because I got NO quilting done today.  My husband and I own a rental property about 15 minutes from our residence that we are preparing to sell.  I find myself a little melancholy as I talk about it simply due to the way things have gone astray.  My husband's brother has been our tenant for the last four years and at one point desired to buy the property.  During his teens and twenties, my brother-in-law had definitely taken a route different from that of my husband and myself having gotten involved in drugs pretty heavily.  He and my husband were not close for all those years, but in 2004 after the passing of my Mother and my husband having been diagnosed with testicular cancer, my brother-in-law seemed to want to change his life and for the next eight years, we helped him to get established running his own small business, getting a job in a large grocery chain and putting him in our rental property with plans for him to lease-purchase.  My brother-in-law became a devoted uncle to my daughter as well.  About a year ago, he began dating a woman from work and he changed.  This relationship caused him to become very disrespectful to us and brought the relationship to a point of almost complete severance.   My little girl lost her uncle and got her heart broken.  The Christian in me knows that I have been forgiven of a multitude of sins and that forgiveness sets me free....the Mommy in me will never forget.  The brother will be moving out in the next few days and we've decided to sell the property. I am sad for him because arrogance and pride have completely changed the course of his life, and I mourn for what could have been for him.  But our lives have changed as well since we purchased that property.  Life has become busier and time is at a premium, my girl has us running around to soccer games and tournaments, and of course, my quilting and fabric business has already grown to be nothing short of an amazing miracle.  This week, I got the privilege of teaching my inaugural "Quilting Beginner's Boot Camp" class to some amazing and eager students.  I loved every minute! We will meet for four more weeks and by the end, they will each have made their first quilted table runner! iPad case mania has slowed a bit, but after a woman from church asked me to make her a Bible cover, I had another soccer Mom order THREE Bible covers for Mother's Day gifts! I am also finishing a beautiful table runner that was a custom order---it's gorgeous in Anthology Fabrics "Bonjour" line. This was the project I had wanted to finish today before I ended up committed to working at the rental.  I also encountered another individual today interested in my "Boot Camp" class starting in June, and as soon as things slow a bit and school is out, my daughter and I will be starting a quilt for her own bed.  Her bed is a beautiful solid oak Amish built bed, and oh, I can't wait to see that quilt on there bringing a smile to my face, and hers, everyday.  My husband and I have been able to use this situation with his brother to teach our daughter about placing value in your family and always making them your priority.  It has also enabled us to show her that "I love you" and "I'm sorry" are empty words if they aren't followed by action.  This time in our family's life makes me think of the Log Cabin quilt block.  The Log Cabin block has a long history and in modern times has had many different variations.  After my first American Flag project, the next quilt I made was a Log Cabin quilt and the story I was told goes like this.  The Log Cabin block has a square in the center surrounded by strips with light strips on one side of the square and dark strips on the other side.  The center square is usually done in a color that stands out in the quilt and represents the heart of the home.  The light strips on one side represent the good times in a family, while the dark strips represent the more difficult times.  These strips in lights and darks surround that center square beautifully and then the entire look of the quilt can change depending upon how all of the blocks are arranged.  I love the Log Cabin quilt.  In fact, the quilt I had made for my Mother in 2002 and is pictured in an earlier post on this blog, is a Log Cabin quilt.  Our family has certainly seen light times and dark times, as I'm sure your family has as well.  I believe the dark times help us to better appreciate those light times, while the light times give us a source of hope during those dark times, and that center square, the heart of the home, is that family that we know "has our back" through it all. In the end, together, our lights and darks make a beautiful design.  So I guess I was wrong and this wasn't too short after all.  I'm so happy to be able to do this every week and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Thank you for reading.