Happy Thanksgiving

This holiday is more meaningful each year to me. It might be because I have so much to be thankful for, especially the last few years. My web of family and friends mean so much to me. Not just for their warm hearts but for the amazing support they have shown me. Sometimes, I wonder why they haven't given up on me. It is the people who love me no matter what that I am the most thankful for. Love is what makes the world go around, nothing else. Without these people I wouldn't be writing, quilting, living in my mountain paradise, or able to share all they have given me with everyone I can. That is the best thing, sharing. Whatever is given is usually returned somehow. Food, Wisdom, Laughter, Warmth, Love, Smiles, Music, Dance... the list of things to be thankful for and share is endless.
I hope everyone has a wonderful day with their friends and family. Eat, Share, and be Merry!

Preparing for the Holidays

I have been very busy lately trying to get all sorts of little things made to put on sale on my Etsy store. I have been making soaps, cards, quilts and anything with lavender in it. I wanted to share the cards I have been creating with everyone. Up here when the wind howls through the winter, I like to think of this blessing. It is something I made up and goes like this: "May your homesteads be joyous and May your hearth fires burn bright." It gets me through my winter nights and hopefully will bring warmth and joy to others around the world. I'm off to get quilting. Maybe another piece of last nights apple pie first though. May all of your creations bring you joy!

Winter Tie Dye Woes

Tie-dyeing at altitude in the winter can be quite a challenge at times. My husband woke the other morning and found his bucket of clips looking a little funny with some snow on top. When he dumped out the contents, this is what it looked like. It was pretty funny so I snapped a photo to share with you all. It is a good thing he found it early enough to thaw outside. During the nice months, he dyes outside. When winter really sets in, he will convert his bathroom into a studio. You see, he has to keep the dyes thawed. He gets great textural effects by putting the dyed products outside to freeze. The dyes run in ice channels and look really cool, kind of like a salt effect. When they come out really good, I call them "freeze-dyed". It is always fun experimenting with dye technique up here. One time, he stood about 7 feet away from the shirt he was dyeing and let the wind carry the dye to the shirt. Well, it was better than having the dye go on the ground 7 feet further than the shirt! These aren't really woes. They are challenges that keep us learning and life interesting. Laughter is always good for the soul and art work. Trust me, we laughed when we saw the frozen bucket of clips. Can you remember your last educational mishap? If not, I highly recommend having some.

Confessions of an Overquilter

This long arm quilting is the shizzle! I've been at it since March and I still can't believe how much fun it is. Most things this much fun are illegal. I can lay down hundreds of stitches per minute with great accuracy and ease. This is what is leading me to my confession. I can't stop sometimes. Even if I plan a quilt to be lightly quilted, I just keep laying down stitches. I am happy with the work, it looks good. But does a baby quilt need over 20,000 stitches? I mean really, it will hold together with less. Quilting has taught me patience, maybe it is time to learn moderation.
I have been growing my quilting service business the last few weeks. It is coming along nicely. The junk you get in your email when you advertise on craigslist is phenominal. It will be worth it though if I get a few clients through it. I lost my DSL connection for a few days there. I was completely at a loss. I never thought I would get that used to (and need) my Internet connection. It is time for me to be listing on Etsy and promoting my business. I am so glad I am hooked up again. It isn't like I truly missed anything, I just feel better knowing I can reach into cyber space when I want to.