Heading to Montana

Ever had to pack for a long trip? I mean a r-e-a-l-l-y long trip? I have lists on top of lists! All to , I hope, keep me from forgetting something I might really need!

Oh there's the usual suspects...clothes, pajamas, toilettries, but then there's the important stuff..sewing machine, notions, and lots and lots of fabric! A mat, ruler and cutter, scissors, pins and thread! oh, and of course, the quilts that are part of the trunk show!

I suppose I could go on and on, but the bottom line is, when traveling to far away places, take what you can, buy what you forget! Lists are just pieces of paper I'll soon throw away!

As I travel to Montana, I hope your thoughts and prayers will be with my Mother in law. A very special lady having a very tough time! It seems we are inundated with "cancer awareness" ads and new and more promising treatments, but getting the diagnosis is just plain scary! I know we have a tough road ahead and all these lists do is give me something to focus on, something else to think about. That's OK I think, we all find our solace in different things. My hope is that Mom can find a way to cope too, because while I'll be there for her, she's still the one who has to 'take it on'!

So with that said, I think I'll go finish the binding on her "therapy" quilt. More later....
Karen

Bring on the Retreats

Hi All!

Just went on a Retreat, sponsored by the Waterford Guild and the Haymarket Qu Chapter. And it came at a time when I really needed it! Sometimes, you don't even realize how much you need the fellowship that other quilters offer. Just seems like 'life' was kinda spinning out of control....work, kids, book, events, Mother in law diagnosed with cancer.

So, the opportunity to slip away, even for a few days, was a wonderful respite. It's not that you forget your responsibilities, but it does give you the chance to 'just breathe', reflect, and even 'indulge'. I got to talk alot, listen more, laugh uproariously, eat till I was busting at the seams, and yes, get a few things done!

I made my Mother-in-law a "therapy" quilt, and was able to knock out two other tops. Love that Sunkissed Roses pattern, 3 tops in 2 days! Now, of course, I'm back and just have to get them quilted and bound. But, restored and refreshed by the friendships, I have a brighter outlook, a spring in my step, and most importantly, hope for the future.

So, if life starts spinning out of control, take a moment, go on a Retreat. Do what you love to do! It's amazing how just those few moments can restore a little 'balance'!

Prayers Please

Have had a good week, and also a bad one. Did 6 book signings last week, attended a huge quilt show, and found out my mother-in-law has cancer. I've hesitated posting, I suppose because everything is still so fresh, and it's scary!

Now, I've been able to do some research, am (I hope) over the shell-shock, and ready to move forward. I think the hardest part of any process is the "unknown". It seems whenever we're confronted with something, and we have to wonder "what if", we are paralized. Yet, once we know what we're up against...well, the fighting instinct takes over, and we're ready to "deal".

Mom's oncology appointment is Thursday, surgical appointment is Friday. So, what I ask today... if you are willing, well, say a prayer for Jennie Miles, one of the absolute, greatest women I've ever known! I am in awe of her, frankly, have always been! She can do anything! But, I guess, this is one fight where I feel more comfortable knowing we have a 'whole bunch of back-up'.

Thank you all. God be with you!
Karen

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"?