First Trunk Show and Book Signing

OK, so the book has finally come out, and I had the opportunity to go to Chesapeake yesterday to do two Trunk Shows and Book Signings. So...what is it about 'public speaking' that puts the fear of God into everyone, me included? I didn't just have butterflies, there was a marching band in there!!!

But, can I say that it was fun? I mean, what can be better than sharing what you love with other like minded people? There are so many styles of quilting, from traditional to contemporary, so many fabrics, colors and options! And that's part of what makes it so cool! We each put our own stamp, flavor, and personality into our work, and while we might not endeavor to master all styles, we sure seem able to appreciate them!

And, last but HARDLY least, quilters are just a great group of people! I feel so fortunate to have met some of the greatest gals (and guys) through quilting. Take Doris, the owner of A Different Touch; she's just as beautiful on the inside as the outside, and I want to Thank Her for allowing me to come to her shop yesterday. I met some very talented people there, who's Show and Tell both inspired and motivated me. Thanks to All of you for making me feel so welcome!

Gosh I love quilting...and the people who are part of it!

A Look Behind and A Look Ahead

Shoo wee! What a week! Last week I posted about the snow and if I thought I wanted it gone then, well, today, I'm even more sure! Friday and most of Saturday, we had 'near blizzard' conditions and a snow accumulation of about 26-28 inches!

Power went out about 10 Friday night and came back on around 6PM Saturday. No heat, but hey, one good thing about being a quilter...there were plenty of 'blankets' to go around!!!

So that's the "look behind". Ahead, well, the book release is set for Tuesday. I didn't think that day would ever get here, and as you can imagine, I'm pretty excited. All the gals at our Guild meeting on Thursday gave me a beautiful potted plant to say "Congratulations", which threatened to make me cry, but also brought home what a special group quilters are! I am truly glad that my sister dragged me into that quilt shop all those years ago! It's been a Blessing, one I count every day!

Snow, Snow, Go Away!

OK, I've got to admit that I absolutely LOVE the first snowfall. There's something so fresh, pristine and beautiful about all that white, how it falls, silently coating the ground. But, the other side of that coin, is that I never learned how to drive in it, and by gosh, by golly, its darn right COLD!

As beautiful as it is initially, I MUST admit that I long to be warm, to be able to drive without fear of ending up in a ditch, and let's face it, no more unscheduled "snow days" for the kids! I thought a "snow day" would be a God-send; hmmm....what can I do? Maybe I'll sew! But instead, it's managing kids, meals, wet, and warmth! So today, I say, "Come on Spring"! Bring me your gentle breezes, your beautiful flowers and the promise of something good to come!

In the meantime, as I wait for Spring, the weatherman says 1-3 inches tomorrow, and another snow storm this weekend. Well....one can always hope....RIGHT?

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