Revived, Refreshed, Rejuvenated...Almost

Well, back from Retreat, and have to say that I had the most wonderful time, tired as I was! What an absolutely great group of woman! You never know how well everyone will get along, but this was probably the most cohesive group I've had the pleasure to sew with and get to know! If you were there, Thank You!

It's always inspiring to go on a Retreat...not only do you have the opportunity to get alot done, but because of the diversity of each person there, you get the chance to see other projects. For me, they seem to always give me new ideas, you know, visions of sugar plums, woops! quilts! dancing in my head!

I thought with all the stress (yes, doing the book did cause a wee bit of stress) that I probably wouldn't even want to see a sewing machine for quite some time. Yet, when I got home, all I wanted to do was sew! And I still feel that way. I have a million things to do, clean, cook, put the Christmas stuff away, and I just want to hurry up and 'get er done' so I can once again immerse myself in a new project! Ironic, isn't it?

Well, with that said, I have re-vamped my prairie point technique, so am posting a pic of the Bear's Paw with Claws block that will be used in a new quilt. I think it looks cool. Let me know your thoughts! The small pink triangles are the prairie points, and they'll really "pop" once they're quilted. Cool, huh?

IN THE MAIL!!!!!

Hi You All!
Well, I'm very happy to report that all 11 quilts, manuscript, sample blocks, etc, etc is IN THE MAIL! I am absolutely exhausted, wasn't sure I'd get it done, but have somehow managed to prevail. Not without alot of blood, sweat and TEARS!!!
Now, I'm leaving to go on a quilting retreat. Ironic, huh? But, should hopefully, come back revived, refreshed and rejuvenated.
Big Thanks to all for sticking with me! Especially my kids and husband who had to put up with me! Will chat more later...after retreat! Have a great week!!!
Karen

Prophetic Post?

OK, talk about when the going gets tough...maybe I'm a prophet! I'll tell you, I took this week off in order to finish everything up. I figured I'd be less stressed without the burden of work, and be able to finish in a leisurely manner.
What I didn't count on was spending most of my Monday and Tuesday at the Doctor's, then in the hospital with a raging case of food poisoning! I have NEVER, ever been so sick or in so much pain! If you've never had it, Amen! I wouldn't wish it on anyone!!!
So here it is, Thursday. I have a follow-up Doctor's appointment, then hopefully I'm off and running. What was going to be a 'leisurely', non stressful week of finishing touches has become a race against time! I wonder, why is it that something ALWAYS happens when you're up against the clock? So, as I said in my last post, when the going gets tough...well, I better get going!!!
I WILL get this done, with bucket by my side if I have to! Wish me luck, I surely could use it!

Almost There!

One and a half weeks to go until all needs to be submitted. To say that I've been working at a frantic pace would probably be the understatement of the year!!!! Seems I eat, live, breathe, sleep (rarely) this project.
My thumb has holes in it from pushing the needle during the hand sewing of the bindings, and I swear I have permanent knots of muscle tension in my neck, shoulders and back! Yet, somehow, I imagine when all is said and done, that it'll be worth it.
One thing for sure, I couldn't have done this without the encouragement and help of my friends and family. For instance, (can't believe I'm going to admit this) but we still have all our Christmas decorations up. And no one seems to care! They all know I have the deadline, so they know it'll get done when it gets done. Worst case scenario, we can always hang Easter eggs on it!
And I've been Blessed with friends that not only listen (for the umpteenth time), but also encourage and help! One thing this whole evolution has proven, that when the going gets tough, the tough get going, or they rely on family and friends to help them! Thanks everyone!!!!!

Making Progress

Well, I'm happy to report that I am, at last, feeling like I've made some progress. Yeah!! In the last couple of weeks, I've gotten 2 more quilts pieced, 3 quilted, and all but 2 of my "sample" blocks made! At night (sometimes as early as 3 AM) I've been working on the bindings and writing of instructions! All this while working, and of course, doing all the myriad tasks a Mom and wife must do! Whew!!!
This has been an amazing journey. While I'm excited about having a book published, there are days when I am also terrified! I'm not sure if I can explain it, but, it's like laying bare a piece of you, to be judged by other people! Here I've put my heart and soul into something, but what if no one likes it?
I suppose it's just a gamble you take. and you know what? It's OK. I have learned that I can do more than I ever thought possible, I am TRULY blessed with the love and support of my family and friends, and that I can, somehow, enjoy the process! Whether a success or not, I'm proud of the work I've done, and glad I 'rolled the dice'. If nothing else, I have several beautiful new quilts to enjoy for years and years to come!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year Everyone! I hope all of you had a great holiday, as did I. It's surprising how quickly it came...and went! Seems like the kids just got out of school for their break, and today they returned!
As I sit here, writing this, getting ready to go down to my sewing room, I can't help but hope that I manage my time a little better this year! Appears as though I'm constantly rushing to and fro, with sometimes little to show for all my efforts! And, I have quite a lot to do this year...especially these next couple of months!
I still have 2 quilts to make, 6 to quilt, and all the sample blocks to make for the book. And all of this HAS to be sent out by the 1st of March! YIKES!!!!! Of course, I still get to be a wife, play Mom, cook, clean, ferry, etc, and, oh yes, work!
Somehow, I know it'll all get done, hopefully without me losing my mind! Guess that's where the 'time management' comes in! So, will keep you all posted on my progress...that is, if I can find the time!

Ouch! That hurt!

Well, here I sit, and sit is the operative word! Wednesday morning I got up, and having had only a partial cup of coffee, decided to stoke the fire. Holding a huge log in one hand, poking the coals with the other, I thought I had it all under control. That is, until the log dropped!

Right on my foot. Ever had one of those experiences? Your mind is telling you, uh-oh, this is gonna hurt, yet you are powerless to do anything? Can't move quick enough, can't catch the log! Of course, I moved pretty quick after it hit!!! But, the damage was already done!

So, as the saga continues, I spent most of the day at the doc's, then the ER. After the x-rays, they offered me a wheelchair. Up to that time, I'd walked everywhere. I knew then that I'd broken my foot! Which was confirmed. Broke one bone, chipped another! But the good news is, it's not my sewing foot!

I knew one day I'd figure out a way to get more sit and sew time....just didn't realize it would hurt so much! The moral of the story...use 2 hands when handling logs, and for heavens sake, keep your feet out of the way! More later, Karen