Hanging Sleeves and Labels

Well, for some good news! Was recently contacted by a shop that wants to hang about 10 quilts (kind of a one woman show) for a month prior to a book signing. Yes, only 2 weeks to go till the book comes out! Only problem is, I was lax and didn't put hanging sleeves or labels on any of the quilts!
So here I am, sewing my little heart out...12 sleeves and 12 labels. One could make the case for doing it as you go along, rather than having to play 'catch up' later. And, in fact, that's what I should have done!
I think all of us know the importance of putting labels on; it's a great way to document the quilt...when it was made, who made it, even who it was for and why it was created! I know that, I've always known that! Yet here I am, trying to get done what should have already been done!
So in the future, I vow to make sure I finish the whole quilt and nothing but the whole quilt! Do I hear an "Amen"?

Progress

Been a good week, at least I think so. Did get a chance to get in my sewing room, put the borders on my "Blooming Tree of Life" and "Bears Paw with Claws" and have been diligently working on the trapunto design for the center space in the Tree of Life quilt. Pretty good for a gal who can't draw a straight line with a ruler!

Now...if I can translate that sketch into the actual quilting?!? But, hey, that's the fun part, right? At least it's always a surprise. Sometimes we start on one direction, and wind up in another. That's part of what I love about quilting; you do have the creative freedom to go in the direction that it leads.

I remember one quilt I designed years ago, a "Truly Feathered Feathered Star". I had made all the blocks, just had to sew them together. Well, my daughter was supposed to be taking a nap, but when I went to check on her, she was in my sewing room, cutting my blocks apart! Yikes!!!!! Without enough fabric to re-make the blocks, I drew a peacock (a feathered star in his own right) and made him the center focal point of the quilt. See, start in one direction, and end in another! That's where creative freedom can be a true blessing!

So, we'll see...where will this quilt take me? I guess we'll find out once the stitching begins!

"Sew In"

Sometimes there's just nothing better than getting together with other quilters for a "Sew In". Our guild had one the other day, and I have to say that I'm so glad I went. It had been a tough week, like many others this cold...brrr...winter, I found myself 'laid up' for a few days.

But, tired as I was, still not feeling great, I decided to go. And the funny thing is, it made me feel better! I guess it's just being able to 'connect' with others, that shared passion for the art of quilting, and the inspiration that always seems to be there. I love seeing what everyone is working on; sitting, sewing, chatting, laughing; it's all there, in one little room!

Thanks Ladies, I had a great time, got some work done, and enjoyed being with you all. Next time I need a boost, Calgon won't be taking me away, a "Sew In" will!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year All!

Been awhile since I posted; I suppose that's why those New Years Resolutions come in so handy! Along with all the other life stlyle changes I need to make, posting regularly and connecting with other quilters is one that's at the top of the list!
So...what's new??? Still working full time, still a wife and mother (Thank God!) and anxiously awaiting the release of the book in February! Just before Christmas, Martingale sent me an advance copy of the book and a really gorgeous floral arrangement. You know, it all seems like a dream, that is until you hold it in your hand!
That's when the hope and the fear truly sets in! Hope that the book does well, and fear that it won't! With that said, I can at least say that my husband and kids are proud....and that's the BEST feeling of all! They presented me with a framed copy of the cover on Christmas, and YES! I admit, I cried like a baby! They had written an inscription that reads as follows:

If you can believe it, you can achieve it. You're living proof that dreams really do come true. We're extremely proud of you Mom!

Now, well.., thru all the blood, sweat and tears, I realize I'd do it all again, just to know I made my family proud!
Karen