What I Did This Week #15 – WIDTW

In light of yesterday’s post, it definitely doesn’t always have to be so dapper. :o) Even though my whole intention yesterday was to really also remind us all of our own positivity towards not only others but our own selves. That’s something to smile about. It’s also another week of What I Did This Week… so be sure to link up your awesome finish or finishES for What YOU Did This Week and feel good about it!

You guys remember the fundraiser I did almost a month ago (where does time go?) with the t-shirts I offer for sale at my Etsy store? Well, after much tribulation of life and Etsy transferring funds, I was FINALLY able to meet Karen (@peaceloveandquilts) and get her fundraiser money. She is just as lovely as ever! Her daughter is the cutest as she can be… I don’t know if I could ever get enough of her. I even got to meet the quilt that we saved!

I’ll be talking more about that next week, as her and I have plans to go to a Guild Meeting together next week already! 

We did meet at Quilted Memories, the shop that I rent longarm time at. I love going there and I love using the longarm, but that was not my night. I had so much thread breakage, loops in my stitches and the stiffness on the machine was not balancing right. I spent two hours on a machine not getting anywhere before I was able to move to another one in which I only had left about 45 minutes of quilting time which then resulted in just two rows being quilted by the end of 3 1/2 hours. Ack! I am still considering this my big accomplishment for the week. 

I shared this picture on instagram when I was about to roll up the top onto the bar. Remember this fabric? No? That’s probably because I first talked about it in FEBRUARY and after mail and other quilting issues on this one, I am finally getting to be able to complete it. Maybe. 

I have given up the attempt at making ‘feathers’ and accepting that I make leafy vine looking quilting, which suites me just fine. I don’t think I could quilt in such uniformity and am finding that I am much more of a graphiti quilter than an ‘all over pattern’ on a quilt.

I did decide to do the white with straight lines curving back and forth which I think will help keep the straight lines of the modern chevron design while the curves in the grey will allow for movement in the quilt. We shall see how it turns out when I get to finish this up on Saturday… so long as the longarm and me get along, that is.

Now show your stuff off as I’d love to check it out!

   

    An InLinkz Link-up

   

Quilty Support: Me, Myself and I

Recently, over the past two weeks or so I have been reading quite the handful of mostly blog posts regarding Swap, Bee Hives, Round Robins and so on; some good but mostly I have been reading the negativity regarding such creative outlets and not in the way I would expect to hear it. To be quite frank, I ended up scared and disappointed in some things. (I am specifically not linking directly to any one person as I am not looking to point fingers or blame, this is merely my opinion from my intake)

Continuing on with my Quilty Support posts I had been thinking about this a lot this past week and thought it would be a good discussion. I had an interesting conversation with a friend during lunch last Friday and she brought up Johari’s Window, have you heard of it?

Johari’s Window:

Source – Wikipedia

                                                                                                                                                                   

The Johari window is a technique created in 1955 by two American psychologists, Joseph Luft (1916–2014) and Harrington Ingham (1914–1995),^[1] used to help people better understand their relationship with self and others. It is used primarily in self-help groups and corporate settings as a heuristic exercise.

Source: Wikipedia

Open or Arena: Adjectives that are selected by both the participant and his or her peers are placed into the Open or Arena quadrant. This quadrant represents traits of the subjects that both they and their peers are aware of.

Hidden or Façade: Adjectives selected only by subjects, but not by any of their peers, are placed into the Hidden or Façade quadrant, representing information about them their peers are unaware of. It is then up to the subject to disclose this information or not.

Blind : Adjectives that are not selected by subjects but only by their peers are placed into the Blind Spot quadrant. These represent information that the subject is not aware of, but others are, and they can decide whether and how to inform the individual about these “blind spots“.

Unknown: Adjectives that were not selected by either subjects or their peers remain in the Unknown quadrant, representing the participant’s behaviors or motives that were not recognized by anyone participating. This may be because they do not apply or because there is collective ignorance of the existence of these traits.

                                                                                                                                                                   

You may be wondering the connection between Johari’s Window and the topic of positivity/negativity with Swaps, etc. Here it is: Self Awareness.

Being part of the quilting, sewing and crafting community for me, has been an outlet when I am so far away from home as well as being surrounded by people who I feel, “get me”. A born and raised California girl who thrives with oceans and lakes, now living in the Mid Eastern US in Kansas with lots of farms and snow… big difference. I don’t mind it, but there are parts that will always miss home no matter how much this becomes home. 

Reading so many comments and blog posts expressing their negative experiences with swaps, round robins and others alike has left me with a heavy heart. I don’t disagree with any of the disappointments that come along with these types of interactions with others; such as when they may not receive a gift even though they followed through on their end or if an item of theirs went missing, no contact made back from your partner and they are officially M.I.A. etc. I agree that there are frustrations when in swaps and they can become too much at times; however I find that most of that is what we do to ourselves by trying to take on too much or expect too much and forgetting the entire idea of the process to begin with. With that in mind, the more swaps you are a part of, the more likely you are to experience it’s downfalls more often. 

I completely related to the remarks regarding the other side of things that in-fact, do happen – What I was heavily disappointed in with these statements and comments was the way their frustration was being expressed including expressing the disappointed by the quality of work they would receive at times. Reading this, my heart began to break for others (and myself) who may not have 5, 10, 15, 20 + years into sewing or even the ones with little years under their belt who have been able to create even what we call ‘professionally’ done items and not looking so ‘hand-made’. I began to question my own sense of work because I am still very ”new” to the community. I am hard enough on myself as it is so this seemed to have made it worse. Then I question how strong I believe I really am if only that led me to begin to question myself. 

Isn’t one of the points to this whole thing, among other points, that we are making one another hand-made items? 

Reading comments and posts from others who (I know not intentionally and again, this is my opinion and feelings) attack specifically the quality of work or ones who may not carry of the greatest scale as others (we all start(ed) somewhere) for the procrastinator in me and knowing my work is under scrutiny, makes me anxious x’s 100. 

Many of us know people who seem to be more, what we would call, self-aware than others. To me, self-awareness is having a growing knowledge of yourself, your own issues, and how others might perceive you. While I think anyone struggles at times to be aware of themselves, most certainly during heightened feelings are in play, I wonder if others were self-aware of themselves and how their comments would be making others feel who already struggle with the feelings of their items not being ‘good enough’ for a swap? How the beginners who just jumped in are now wondering if they will live up to other groups standards? I wonder if they were self-aware of where they began and did they receive that type of feedback when they began? Were they self-aware that while others would agree with them, the others who are scared to already join what is supposed to be so positive and encouraging for others to create, now may not join because there really are people who judge what they receive to a degree that they are ‘disappointed’ for joining to begin with? I know and believe there was never any intent for those feelings to be, yet they are and I know I have been on both ends of the spectrum in a swap… the non-received and later sendee. 

The real question; Could they have expressed their dissatisfaction differently rather than expressing it in such a way that left others (including me) even more intimidated to make for others and try new things? To send the item anyway even after much procrastination because you don’t think they will think it is, perfect? Personally, I wrote about my own personal experience a few weeks ago with a mistake I made with my first full paper-piece and being heavily dissatisfied in myself but decided to listen to that inner voice that was helped created by so many others encouraging me, to send it anyway… and you know what, while I still am not satisfied with how the item turned out and I wished I had done better, I am happy I still sent it. I am happy I still remained true to myself and who I am as a creator, right then and right now. A creator with many mistakes to love. A creator that continues to grow with each mistake. 

OOPS! This should have been a feather but ended up looking like a tree instead. OOPS!

I want to make this clear, I am happy that others have expressed some hard truths about what happens in swaps, round robins, etc. because things do happen and I have two separate stories to share (next week) which relate to much of the basis for my personal feelings towards the recent down-talk regarding swaps. I even get why they would have a Blacklist for swaps as I have heard of several people who join just to receive and never send which is ultimately defeating the purpose of the swap. 

What I have been unhappy hearing and reading is when we have become disappointed with what we receive from others. We teach our youth to be appreciative for what they have, many homes go by the old rule, “If you don’t like what’s for dinner, don’t eat.” (my house did) and we drill into them they should be happy with all they have around them as others don’t, to continue to strive for more but to not be greedy; yet I feel when we, as adults are feeling disappointments (and expressing it openly) with someone else making for us, taking time out of their life, thinking of you and putting everything they can into it, we aren’t really showing the best of examples, are we? I have received gifts from various skill levels, but I can assure you I love them each just the same with the mere appreciation that someone took a moment of their time (and especially never ‘meeting’ them) to make for me, I am appreciative for that all in itself. Maybe it is just me and knowing who I am and how I want others to feel… I don’t know. I just know that with each interaction I have with anyone – I am never wanting to leave them with the feeling that they are not worth anything. It may be because of my own personal struggle of self-worth, either way, YOU are worth it. 

I guess what I am trying to say in the end is I walked away from reading the posts and comments heavy-hearted and vowing that after I completed the swaps I am in I would be excusing myself for a bit. I walked away scared more now than I was before to send items I have made to someone else, wondering how truthful they are being with their posts on Instagram or anywhere else with how much they ‘love’ it… – am I the one they are talking about on their post? It makes me sad because I know we all join these group adventures to encourage every level of creativity to love it all the same knowing someone created for you. I walked away questioning myself and my worth within the community and where I may stand or how others may be viewing me who have better skill than I. I wonder if I am the one they are snickering about wishing I was not part of their group because they don’t think they will have any use for what I may make… or it won’t be worthy (there’s that word again) enough? The questions went on and on but eventually my optimism won. 

I have close friends and acquaintances that know right away that I am the epitome of optimism. I sometimes annoy myself with it because I know there are times I’m not looking for the pretty side of things when it’s dark; but in the reality of it, I am. In the midst of anything dark happening, aren’t we all looking for that light at the end of the tunnel? 

This brings me back to the Johari’s Window. As I stated earlier, I had a conversation with a friend (who happens to be a therapist) this past week regarding it, as I had never heard about it before. I am always interested in self-development and if I had the patience for the schooling, I believe I would have been a great therapist. That being said, I chose over the past week to analyze Johari’s Window and answer them, and truthfully. There are things I am definitely not the fondest of sharing; however we all have quirks within ourselves that really aren’t so bad and I think it’s time we stop being worried about who we are but become more self-aware of Me, Myself and I.

I have answered mine in quite some depth and I think I have narrowed or compartmentalized it into the core of the detailed answers I gave myself and thinking further into it and whether or not to share here, I thought I would first introduce Johari’s Window and the topic of discussion as well as invite you to join me next week with your answers (if you dare hehe). Next week I will reveal my analysis of my own-self and I would love to hear from YOU, whether it be regarding the Johari’s Window, the topic of negativity towards swaps or both. I believe the more self-aware we all are with one another, the more aware we can be of others and the better we understand. 

To help with some of the things you may answer with or ask yourself while analyzing, it will be good to be mindful to simplify your answers with Adjectives. I wrote down whatever came to mind and then grouped things that would be in the same category for the nature of what I was stating of myself.

Example: I can easily have any random conversation with a stranger. I think all walks of life are amazing. = friendly and/or open-minded.

You can go into as much or as little detail or however deep you wish to dive into it. I actually think it’s positive for us all to be aware of who we are but to also be proud of who we are; we all change constantly and evolve as humans, just because a personality trait or behavior worked then doesn’t mean it works in your life now; it doesn’t necessarily have to mean changing WHO you are. 

                                                                                                                                                                   

Source: Wikipedia

able

accepting

adaptable

bold

brave

calm

caring

cheerful

clever

complex

confident

dependable

dignified

energetic

extroverted

friendly

giving

happy

helpful

idealistic

independent

ingenious

intelligent

introverted

kind

knowledgeable

logical

loving

mature

modest

nervous

observant

organized

patience

powerful

proud

quiet

reflective

relaxed

religious

responsive

searching

self-assertive

self-conscious

sensible

sentimental

shy

silly

spontaneous

sympathetic

tense

trustworthy

warm

wise

witty

                                                                                                                                                                   

Whether or not you choose to openly participate or not, I welcome you to research Johari’s Window and it’s overall concept. I think I have personally been more self-aware than I thought; however I adapt quickly to my surroundings and am left a lot of times feeling, “off”. Also, if you have any thoughts regarding the recent commentary on swaps and the bad things that can happen. It’s one thing to have the truth out there, but are we sometimes getting ahead of ourselves with our expectations? Have you experienced anything really great or really bad? 

Quilty Thankful Thursday attribute: I am thankful for the freedom of speech and that we are all otherwise bold and proud to speak with how we feel. Disagreements or not, it rarely changes how I feel towards someone as I never expect to always be okay with anyone with everything. As a matter of fact, I find myself admiring the quirks of others more than anything and understanding how they think. A good conversation is obviously something I am typically always up for. 

I am linking up to Quilty Thankful Thursday w/ Quilting Jetgirl so stop on over and link up, too!

Got WIP?

Many of these are no longer currently WIPs but I am waiting for them to be received; therefore you’ll just have to stare at the extra’s and in process pictures for the time being until then.

I had recently come across a post from Stitched in Color when she was making drawstring bags for a handful of people that she wanted to thank for helping her through a recent trialing time for her family with the recent birth of her newest daughter; the tutorial is from In Color Order: Lined Drawstring Bag Tutorial. It really is the perfect bag (and quick!) to make for packaging up items for swaps or gifting it for any purpose! I wouldn’t have minded one of these when I crocheted as I would totally throw in a ball of yarn and get to twisting that yarn around the hook. It is safe to say that I will be making a bag for every swap because it is a great use for large fabric scraps or just that fabric you might not ever touch but can’t get rid of yet (I knew there was a purpose for the fabric I used one day…).

There are lots of goodies in this bag…

including the requested block from the Queen Bee. Cue for quilting in the crosswords puzzle print which was from a low volume swap I did last year.

Bee Hive: Wanta Fanta Block

by Blossom Heart Quilts

This lovely bunch was turned into something new (for me) to make for the #craftybirthdaybash1 in which I also teamed with @myteaandbrie for coordinating a few items; although the iron on’s didn’t make it onto the final project. That lovely turqoise blue print is actually a canvas so it is sturdy and heavy… perfect I think for the ‘project’ it was used for.

Here is a sneak peak at one of the items in progress… any guesses as to what this may be? (There is clear vinyl on top which is what the zippers are attached to)

Remember this kitty? I posted a video of her on my Instagram what seems like years ago (but really only months) of her, I rescued her from our job as she was frozen to the ground. I normally don’t allow her on the cutting table and only on my chair; however she kept sneaking up as I hadn’t been paying much attention to her. She is much more talkative with churping meows and lots of purrrrr’s… looks healthier, too! I am also happy to report both her legs from the frost bite have healed! 

Now to leave you with my view from yesterday at the end of my work day. It was simply beautiful out and the only nice day this week… it is now met with clouds and spurts of rain.

To lead into tomorrow; I have been seeing a huge shift within the community of sewers, quilters and crafters. To me, it is a huge mix between negativity and positivity. I have experienced first hand the power of what our community can ‘bring to the table’ when we are called upon but I am also seeing a lot of negativity towards things things that are meant to be fun and enjoyable. Even in regards to swaps there is more and more of what has been deemed the Blacklist for swap partners. I don’t disagree with a lot of the issues that are stated, but I disagree in how it seems to be presented, intentional or not. Either way, I’ll be touching base more on this tomorrow as part of my Quilty Support series in which tomorrow I will be discussing our own integrity and behavior when part of a group/swap, etc.

Sew Stitching Cute

I am showing off and linking up over at WIP Wednesday w/Freshly Pieced and Let’s Bee Social w/ Sew Fresh Quilts, so stop on over and show your stuff off, too!

What I Did This Week #14 – WIDTW

While this year has thrown me for some unexpected loops, the one thing I forgot that I love about myself is how easily I am able to adapt to life’s changes. I have never minded change in life, I have always embraced it. In fact, my family has always complimented the fact that I can move somewhere and not know anybody and be just fine. It is the truth. I love meeting people, talking to people, learning their stories, listening to their stories… I think each and every person’s life is an amazing story and I think I have learned more from others than I did in any school or College.

Here is a quick recap of What I Did This Week –

I went shopping, that’s right… I went shopping. Do you like shopping? I like shopping. ::insert cute evil eye here::: Yep, this was a successful FULL day of shopping. I went with a good friend of mine last weekend; we started out by having breakfast at her house and then we took off from there. Yes, that is a shower head you see there and yes a brush (I had to get a few things for myself, too, ya know). The only thing that was not part of the shopping for the day is that LOVELY stack of Aloha Girl from Fat Quarter Shop that I had pre-ordered and it was at my door when I got home from shopping, so it was a day full of awesome-ness! Most of all of these items will not be staying with me, they will be going to meet their new owners with some swap mates. It’s hard to give up such cuteness sometimes (or all the time).

I received a lovely gift from a quilty friend who thought of me when she saw a few items in her sewing room during a clean-up. The feeling of knowing you were thought of at a random moment can really help change a person’s thoughts, attitude and overall mentality. The consistency of this is what I think we all struggle with. I know it feels good but I am not always the best at also expressing it or reminding others; this was another reminder to DO it.

I received my #igpincushionswap all the way from Australia! This was made by @retrobettybaby and I couldn’t have been happier with this amazing ‘cup ‘o tea’ pin cushion; isn’t it the cutest?! Also, those scissors… seriously too cute! 

These were the extra goodies that came along with it… (I am already sporting those super cute gingham earrings! And those socks make me hungry every time I see them.)

I also received this bad boy girl this week! I plan on reading through it as much as I can today and write about it next week. I have already skimmed through it and really enjoy what I have seen… I love the oldies 50’s look of the entire book! I think that is what drew me in from the beginning.

So now I need to get to reading and checking out these 23 quick and clever sewing projects I’ll love!

You know What I Did This Week, I would love to hear What YOU Did This Week!

   

    An InLinkz Link-up

I am linking up and showing off at Finish It Friday w/ Crazy Mom Quilts so stop on over and show yours off, too!

Slowly picking up the slack

A few weeks ago, a quilty friend Yvonne with Quilting Jetgirl posted a request for quilt blocks for two very special children in her life; be sure to check out the story on her original post!

As it has been the past few months, I am behind but as of the end of this week, I will not have ONE thing that I am ‘behind’ on or cutting close to the deadline. Hooray for such supportive people in my life! Truthfully, that is all of YOU… if it weren’t for YOU guys I wouldn’t have snapped out of it as quickly. Sometimes choices in our lives are not the easiest, yet I am a firm believer that the hardest decisions are the best decisions (which is why they are so difficult to make). She should be receiving them today if not yesterday…

The request of quilt blocks were simple: (Directions from Quilting Jetgirls original post)

What kind of blocks should I make?

Older: Boat / ocean themed or dancing themed blocks using navys, teals, grays (same tones as in her block above), and pink or salmon.

Younger: Music themed blocks using blues (in the same tones as his block above), black, and white. Improv blocks in the same blue tones as above would also be appropriate.

Because I was able to see how it was coming together, I decided on using batik scraps mixed with a teal scrap piece I had and did quick HST chevron to do modern ‘waves’ for the ocean. I think the blue batik fabric helps give it motion like the movement in the water.

For the younger and music tones, I wanted so badly to do the music notes but time was not on my side. After seeing all of the other blocks, I decided to do 4 small letter L’s surrounded since there was more B&W and music notes filling it up, I thought I would help even out the pops of color. Although in person this blue looks like it would work well but in the picture it looks like it won’t… hopefully it can find a place somewhere. 

I am considering this a WIP because my contribution for it is done but Yvonne still has two whole quilts to put together. It is really a mixed sweet story behind the reasons and inspiration of the quilts, it is just another thing to love about being part of the Quilting Community! I am looking forward to seeing how she puts these together as she does do pretty amazing work! 

I am linking up and showing off at WIP Wednesday w/ Freshly Pieced and Let’s Bee Social w/ Sew Fresh Quilts so stop on over and show your stuff off, too!

[Tip] – When You’re In A Crunch for Sewing Time…

… be sure to have all of your supplies!

I was in a crunch when I needed to finish the last Rock’n Round Robin row onto a quilt which I showed last week. Well, I was in such a time crunch when I was working on this (about 3 weeks ago) and the night before I was struggling to stay awake at the sewing machine (but of course once I went to bed, it took me forever to fall asleep which led me to thinking why am I not sewing if I am not sleeping but yet I can’t get to sleep if I am not laying down…) and finally decided that this was just going with me to work the next day!

Today I thought I would share with you a quick tip for utilizing just about anything around you or the place you are in, in order to get your sewing done! I am sure we have all been met with deadlines but have other commitments (like the job that keeps the utilities on :::insert sad face here:::) and among life in itself, can’t find the time to get it done; I got her done! hehe

Supplies Needed:

(They will vary depending on your project)

Project at hand

Sewing Machine

Thread

Bobbin(s)

Cutting Mat

Rotary Cutter (or scissors if in a real punch)

Fabric Marking Pen/Pencil

Ruler (of any kind at this point)

Extra’s:

(If you remember)

Pins

Pin Cushion

Portable Design Wall

Whatever else you can think of…

Luckily it was a slow day at work (or I would have never done this) and I was able to take up shop downstairs in my office’s basement. The large break room table became my sewing table and cutting table…

One of two very large couches became my design wall…

A small white chair with a white rag on it next to the last electrical (in my reach) plug was available; which was also where all phone lines and electrical is based became my iron board…

The small table to the right of it became the table where I laid the blocks out for ironing.

So to say that when in a crunch and needing to sew, I have quite learned that I don’t need all the fancy set ups and all the appropriate devices such as tables and ironing boards to sew… if I want to sew I really can. Yet they say that with anything, don’t they? If you really want to do something, you will. So I did.

 I am grateful that I work for a company that supports ME and not just the job I do FOR them. I hope you enjoyed today’s quick TIP! Never say never when it comes to sewing! You CAN get it done.

I am linking up and sharing my tip over at Tips and Tutorials Tuesday w/ Late Night Quilter so stop on over and check out all the other great Tips and Tutorials or share yours!

What I Did This Week #13 – WIDTW

A quick update this week as I am looking forward to seeing What YOU Did This Week…

WE Saved a Quilt and experienced the power of our community…

Finished two round robin rows… the other you can see here…

I finished and got caught up on my #craftybirthdaybash1 swap for February and March birthdays, April’s birthday month will be finished this weekend…

The Inside – the zipper is my favorite

Here was the February package for Melissa over at @ohhowsweetco… (yes, that is how far behind I got… I am proud to say I am all caught up…)

So all in all, I am pretty proud of my week and I look forward to seeing YOUR week!

    An InLinkz Link-up

I am linking up and showing off over at TGIFF hosted this week by Things I Make and Finish It Up Friday w/ Crazy Mom Quilts so stop on over and show your stuff off, too!    

Quilty Support: Quilting/Sewing Community

I have neglected my posts of Quilty Support and am following up with it now as this past week has been a great reminder of the support, gratefulness and thankful nature that the quilting, sewing and crafter’s alike community holds. You can find all links for the Quilty Support posts, here. 

Over the past week I have been able to first-hand witness the power of community and the power it gives to everyone who takes part. I posted last week and earlier this week regarding a fundraiser being held for a fellow Instagram quilty friend Karen (@peaceloveandquilts). I don’t know Karen outside of Instagram but have enjoyed the small conversations we have shared and truthfully, I didn’t even know her name was Karen until all of this fundraiser began! It is ultimately her story to share, but her and her family were in need of a group hug from the place she feels most peaceful, sewing and quilting. As I said in my prior post, seeing Karen’s original post just last Friday tugged at my heart and something was telling me, “do something”. So I did something about it. 

Karen was selling her most beloved hexagon quilt and I immediately thought of how I wish I had just the funds myself to buy it for her. Not knowing really what to do, or how I could do it… I even thought of sending her what I could afford to send her and help her out. No matter what, I could not get rid of the nagging feeling of, “you must save this quilt”. Then as the minutes ticked by and I was still thinking of what I could do, I thought of my Super Quilt Woman t-shirts. I messaged my sister (@proffittmelissa) right away and ran by my idea with her and she told me to go full swing for it. I know it seems like I needed her permission to do this, but I think I was hesitant if I was going to look like a failure in the end; I kept asking myself, “What if no one buys the shirts and I can’t raise anything for her? What will that make me look like? How would I be able to help her if this doesn’t help? How would I show my face again to others who ignored such a plea from myself for someone else (side note: Karen had NO idea I was doing this and she only found out when I posted the details on Instagram)?” So many questions going through my mind, I suck at failing even though I know it is necessary. I just hate to fail others. 

Anyhow, I began putting everything together before producing it out into the world; in the end I offered the shirts for $15.00 (original $20.00) and FREE SHIPPING with the coupon code. From the sales of the the shirts over the weekend (Fri-Mon), 75% of those sales would go to Karen. 

The weekend came and went; Boy was I surprised by the overwhelming support and generosity of our community. I guess surprised wouldn’t be the correct word, maybe taken back would be more appropriate. Either way, I was overwhelmed nonetheless by how many really came together to purchase Karen’s quilt for her. I do my best to purchase each persons new patterns and especially if it is something that I know I will want to make (one day). I know that those few dollars (added up) go a long ways to the support of so much work that other quilters and sewers put into the patterns and creations themselves. I can’t tell you how thankful I am for my love of quilting or just simply, making. The more support we all continue to give to one another, the more we have support ourselves, right?

I thought this picture illustrated the power of community and TEAMWORK in this situation. In this time, it required a small purchase to help go towards a fellow quilter who was exclaimed by many to have been there for others in their time and now it was their turn to return the due diligence. Each puzzle piece being handed down the line was each shirt, donation or share of the post allowing for us to all get to our goal. I have never been so proud to be part of such people and be surrounded (even if virtually) by such beauty. If it wasn’t for the ones who were able to purchase, the ones who made a straight donation, the ones who shared the post on their Instagram to help spread the word, we wouldn’t have MADE OUR GOAL! We even went OVER… not by much, but we did it and 

WE SAVED HER QUILT! 

During the time in which this fundraiser was taking place, Karen and I learned that we only live about 20 minutes from one another! It is entirely crazy how small and yet big our world is… heck even just the U.S. I will be meeting with her next week personally to hand deliver the funds to this beautiful woman and her family! I really can’t wait to put every hug and every ounce of love was given to this quilt that she can forever snuggle under and feel the warmth that she will always have an army behind her. 

I was graced with the most sweetest message from Karen that made me tear and she was entirely too nice in the message. I only did what I felt and acted on it. It is something I have missed for a long time now and I was and am only thankful that I was in the position to be able to help her. I just knew there was something in the original message from Karen that told me she would be losing a piece of herself if she were to part with that quilt and I couldn’t have that happen. 

Now tell me this isn’t the perfect picture and most adorable smile to end this with…

This will forever hold a special place within me

I am linking up and showing my thankfulness over at Quilty Thankful Thursday w/ Quilting Jetgirl so head on over and share yours, too!

Round Robin Progress

Last year I shared that I had joined my first Round Robin, this one specifically targeted towards only Batik fabrics (which I had honestly never heard of prior to joining this Round Robin). The group is called Rock’n Round Robin. Overall it has been a great experience; however I will be sure I associate myself with the leaders of the group before deciding if I am joining or not as I everyone has different ways of communicating with others and unfortunately, I most certainly did not agree with theirs.

This is my starter row, which will eventually be enclosed by 6 additional rows and making this quite the snuggle quilt when it is done! I am considering these each a WIP as they are not completed yet… my part for it may be but the entire quilt is still under construction.

Apparently I am not only colors inside, I am colorful in my fabrics, too! hehe I love neautrals though and am not sure what keeps me from using them more often. I am unable to show you the quilt in all its glory at the moment as everything is kept a secret until the original owners receives it; however there were lots of points and ‘arrows’ so-to-speak, which led me to the below concept. 

I actually ended up locing this row so much, that I have drawn it up on paper for a full pattern. I will be cutting the fabric this weekend (as if I needed anything else to do). It won’t be as scrappy, but I think it is a fun and quick way to put something together that has a little more design to it yet you don’t feel like you did so much work! I was super surprised how quick I was able to whip this up when I finally decided on what to do.

I wasn’t able to get a picture of this row without it being already sewn onto the entire quilt so my apologies on the offset nature of the photo. This one, because of a time crunch I originally had something else planned but decided to use large blocks with strips of the black batik that was sent from the original row owner to use if need be. I did the large blocks in earth tones as the other sides row was in earth tones as well as ‘boxy’ and I wanted to keep the flow going with it instead of using loud colors which were not anything part of this Batik quilt.

Because of so much going on around here lately, I forgot to publish my post yesterday for Tips and Tutorial Tuesday; therefore it will have to wait until next week! The following week I will be showing how I also make crib sheets… nothing super different from the standard way, but I find my method to be a bit quicker as well the seams inside of the sheet being hidden rather than exposed. Anyhow, be sure to be on the look out for that. I also have a new CURVED (that’s right, CURVED) pattern I’ve finished and am putting the final touches to! 

Question: I am personally finding it easier that I complete something each day, whether it be a good part of a quilt, a specific small item (pouch, wallet, etc) each day, knowing that each day I am closer and closer to being done or completed with several things and as the days roll on more and more is complete; this isn’t how I used to work though as I tend to like to just power through things and do them in a batch. I am finding myself conflicted with what feels better for me… anyone process or complete things in a certain way or have any opinions about the method of keeping the flow going?

I am linking up and showing off at WIP Wednesday w/ Freshly Pieced and Let’s Bee Social w/ Sew Fresh Quilts so head on over and show your stuff off, too!

Generosity Overload

To say that this past weekend was un-emotional would be an understatement; however all for good reasons. I know, when you put ’emotion’ in any sentence it can lead the most of happiest people to think the worst. I’m emotional whether I am happy or sad or anything in between and that’s ok with me. This weekend was pretty eventful as I was promoting the fundraiser for a fellow quilter Karen (@peaceloveandquilts) as well as I took a drive to Clinton, MO.

Fundraiser: To express my gratitude with the out pour of generosity and sincere compassion for coming together as a sewing/quilting community has made me appreciate the community even more than what I already did. I have had an outreach of people willing to donate without purchasing as well as a select few who have done both… I really would like to let you ALL know that there are TONS of hugs wrapped around you as I have no doubt that by tonight, we will SAVE THE QUILT!

Currently we are 72% away from our goal! Don’t fret, all funds will still be going to Karen no matter the amount, as I can’t say it enough, we will SAVE THE QUILT! This quilt has meant and means so much to Karen (we all know what those certain quilts mean to us) and there is no way we can allow for her to lose a piece of herself by parting with it when we as a community can come together for her when she needs it most.

Drive to Clinton, MO: I took a drive with a friend to meet another friend; her mother had passed in the last two years and she was recently renovating the home her parents lived in. Her mother used to do all sorts of things, including quilting, sewing, canning and the list goes on. The home is large and beautiful and set up for a quilters dream! Well, she had a closet FULL of fabric, patterns, thread and the list goes on! She was giving me all that I could use and/or take. I walked away with SIX (XL Black Trash Bags) STUFFED with fabric (knits, cotton, silk, canvas…) along with 3 boxes of scraps and 2 1/2 boxes full of vintage patterns! I was in fabric heaven!

***Each person who purchases a tshirt for the Fundraiser will be receiving a nice extra goody to be added in with their purchase to show the appreciation towards their generosity and help in such a wonderful community!***

The fabric will need to be washed and that is ok by me. It looks like another trip to Hobby Lobby for more bolts! I have lots to organize and put together! I can’t wait to share it all with you!

Everyone remember my Friday post about SAVING THE QUILT and my own discussion of how everything happens for a reason? Well, the sale is STILL on and it ENDS TONIGHT at MIDNIGHT, so be sure to jump in and help support a fellow quilter for a SUPER fun Super Quilt Woman V-neck Tshirt! If you don’t know the story, please be sure to hop on over to my original Instagram post and/or my Friday post!

Ending tonight, Monday, 4/20/2015 at MIDNIGHT, these shirts are for sale for $15.00 each with FREE SHIPPING using the code ‘FREESHIP’ at my Etsy Store. Not only that, but 75% of the earnings will be donated/given to Karen (@peaceloveandquilts) to help save her quilt… I thought if we all chipped in… we could be able to get her to her goal to help alleviate a lot off of her and her family. The remaining 25% of the sales truly is all the shipping, so I will not be taking any from the sale of these shirts.

In other news, I am caught up with my #craftybirthdaybash1 (@cloverandviolet) gifts (I still need to send out month of April’s, but I’m not past due yet!) and she received it over the weekend. I am steeling her post on Instagram as I forgot to take a picture of everything and her pictures of the items turned out much better! 

Embroidery Hoop Project Pouch (circled pouch)

Embroidery Thread

Wallet

Double Bias Tape

Extra Fabric

Planner stickers/goodies

I really have enjoyed making these Arizona Wallets as I showed my first attempt, here. The one for the #craftybirthdaybash1 swap I was able to put my first snap on! I chose a simple pearl front snap and I think it fits perfectly with the beautiful fabric with bursts of flowers. I look forward to working with snaps much more!

This weekend was quite eventful and full of gratitude, something that I think gets lost in this world a lot these days. I love that I find so much of it within all of YOU guys! Once again, THANK YOU for being YOU! Smile, because YOU are awesome! I will be sharing more of my fabric that I received this weekend as I get to washing it. 

I am linking up and showing off at Main Crush Mondays w/ Cooking Up With Quilts, Making Mondays w/ Grace Langdon Art and Monday Makers w/ Hug-a-Bit Quilts so stop on over and show your stuff off, too!