Winter Has Arrived

Well, I had a lovely winter day here at Mountainjoy. The snow finally started falling in big, wet flakes from the grey sky. I enjoyed it immensely looking out the studio windows as I quilted. Dancing along to celtic music with my long arm sewing machine is so much fun. I made a table runner and placemats out of some gorgeous materials. They are to go on my Etsy site soon. I am trying to prep for the upcoming holiday season.
With the beautiful day I was given, I also decided to make split pea soup and fresh Challah bread for dinner tonight. I guess that truly means winter is here officially. The wood stove has been fed all day and it is going to be a cozy night.
On the wildlife scene, last weekend we had a mountain lion wake us at four in the morning. It was in our yard screaming with all its might. It circled the house and came right by the bedroom door. We listened to it shivering in our skins with all the animals up in bed with us. It went on for about ten minutes and then wondered off further into the woods. Wow, that was exciting. Have you ever heard a mountain lion's scream? I assure you, that it is an unnerving sound.

Back and In Business

This quilt was made as my brother's wedding gift. I started it at the engagement and finally managed to give it to the lovely couple just after their fifth anniversary. Talk about a labor of love. It was the first large quilt that I quilted on my Fusion long arm. All the fabrics were dyed by my husband. I love making him dye white-on-white prints-the effect is so interesting. The quilt came out so beautifully, I thought I'd show and tell it here.

My summer has been a whirlwind of activity. I started with a week of family vacation in New Hampshire at my wonderful Aunt and Uncle's house. I was home for a week in which I quilted the wedding star for my brother. Then, I was off to Washington (with quilt in luggage) to see my immediate family. My mother and I attended the Innovations Quilts Convention. We took classes for three days straight and volunteered as well. I learned so very much about how to run a long arm business, how to fix 'problem' quilts, and I even received a PhD in Threadology. I met several wonderful quilters and made contact with many good souls. I arrived home very inspired and ready to start the business I have been creating since last March.

My business plans were still on hold for a little while due seasonal work and visits from family to my home at Mountainjoy. I had a lovely visit with my husband's mother when she came for a weekend. She was very happy to see that her quilt (another long-timer) was on the long arm and being finished. I also just had a visit from my parents, it was short and full of fun as usual.

Okay, now that we are all caught up, I can move forward. My seasonal work for Long's Gardens has come to an end and I am really ready to open up for business as a long arm quilter and quilter in general. This was the plan for surviving my snowed in winters, let's make it work!

I will be adding new stuff to my Etsy site later in the week, these will be small gift type items for holiday sales. If any of my readers have enjoyed the quilts and need/want me to quilt for you, you can now contact me at Mountainjoyquilts@gmail.com for more information.

That's plenty of news for the moment. Happy creating everyone!