New Projects, Old Projects and Distractions

Oldest UFO hand pieced and started to hand quilt.
Oldest UFO hand pieced and started to hand quilt.

There are all sorts of resources out there that will tell you what makes a good blog and good social media presence. I have gleaned much, but I have also learned that I need to be authentic to who and where I am right now. I am a mom of 5 kids age ranging from 13 to 4. We are a very active family with lots of evening and weekend commitments. As soon as the kids get home from school I am full-time with them until they go to bed. My 4 year old is adorable and is a great little companion throughout the day. I usually quilt from 9 pm to about 2-3 am. I can sometimes get a few hours in during the day, thanks Netflix. 

All of her queen sized glory. Did I mention its all hand pieced?
All of her queen sized glory. Did I mention its all hand pieced?

The reality of life is very different from many of the writers of these blogs. I need to write my own story and be able to do what I can. I love connecting with people. I love the interactions I have with my clients when they come into my home to drop off or pick up their quilts. I love interacting with my students. I love being a teacher again (was an elementary teacher for 8.5 years). I love working a few days a month at the quilt shop for that same reason. Now that I have been on Instagram, I love the people I ‘interact’ with. My community is expanding.

This was one of my grandma's jars. She died when I was 7. She was an extremely talented seamstress and quilter, basically a fabric magician. She is one of the reasons I started to sew when I was 10. I feel connected to her when I create with fabric.
This was one of my grandma’s jars. She died when I was 7. She was an extremely talented seamstress and quilter, basically a fabric magician. She is one of the reasons I started to sew when I was 10. I feel connected to her when I create with fabric.

I showed this quilt yesterday on Instagram and FaceBook and asked a question. I LOVED all the interaction I received. You had me laughing! I can see the positive interactions that can be had through this on-line community. Thanks so much for being part of mine.

When I cut out the hexes I sort them, one green centre six petals, good way to keep organized.
When I cut out the hexes I sort them, one green centre six petals, good way to keep organized.

My main goal for going on-line is to be a part of this awesome quilting community I have enjoyed for so many years. Through my teaching experiences, I have seen the change that comes when my students start to free motion quilt for the first time. I love being that influence for good. I love free motion quilting and the way I teach it has impacted so many for good. It makes me feel great to do this. As I mentioned in one of my first blog posts, finding and maintaining balance, is crucial. I don’t want to burn out, rather flame the desire in others to learn and grow. 

These are smaller versions of the previous quilt. They are intended for my niece.
These are smaller versions of the previous quilt. They are intended for my niece.

So as the title suggests, “New Projects, Old Projects and Distractions”, here is one of my oldest projects. Now that I decided to unpick all the quilting and basting it has become a  new free motion quilting project which is also a huge distraction as I should be cleaning the basement. However, didn’t I just give myself permission to do things my own way?

As much as I love the look of the hand stitching, I do not have the time to do so. I also don't love this quilt as much as I once did 7 years ago so it won't get the attention the I would need to give.
As much as I love the look of the hand stitching, I do not have the time to do so. I also don’t love this quilt as much as I once did 7 years ago so it won’t get the attention the I would need to give.

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Cut the Christmas Chaos and Calorie Frenzy

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