When I got home I did what most quilters do with their stash…I stashed it. The fabric sat for another year. In December 2010, I decided it was time to make this quilt. Sister’s birthday is in January, I thought I could get it done in time for her special day. I purchased some more fabric, brown this time. I think red and brown looks really good together and brown is definitely not thought of as a Christmas color. Then, life got busy. My sister visited me in January and I showed her the lovely fabrics that would soon be her birthday gift that wouldn’t be delivered on her birthday.

Flash forward to June (Yes, June!), and another opportunity to visit with my sister. I had just taken the sewing machine repair class and decided that my sister’s quilt needed to be quilted on my grandmother’s sewing machine. I quilted it and then added the binding on my way to the family reunion (thank goodness for long car rides). While binding, I noticed I had some severe tension issues with my quilting. The question…”Do I pass it on in this condition? or Bring it home again?” Yes, you guessed it, being the perfectionist I try not to be, I showed it to sister and carried it back home.

If you’re a quilter, you may understand that at this point I just really wanted it to go away. At the very least I had to walk away from it for awhile. OK, I agree 5 months does sound like a long time, but life got busy again. Last month, I tackled the inner procrastinator and ripped out all the problem stitches. I then put it back under my grandmother’s machine and re-stitched the newly unquilted areas. Success!

Yesterday my sister received her new quilt. Freshly washed with its batting all crinkled. On the same day at her home, the sky dumped snow. I’m sorry, sister, that your quilt took so long. I am glad you got it in time to show off this Christmas and through to your birthday next year. Unfortunately, my naming of the quilt, well it was inspired by your photo  from last year (left) and it seems be an omen to your upcoming winter season, so “Let it Snow, Ho Ho Ho!”

In August, my father’s sister (my godmother) passed to the next world. With her passing, I am aware that I am quickly becoming the “oldest” generation alive in my family. Needless to say with the big 50 approaching, I’m feeling older than my years. I’m calling it a mid-life crisis, even though I’m well passed mid-life (I don’t expect to live to 100). I want to get more out of life. That’s what makes what I’m doing exciting. I’m making larger footsteps in my journey and I’m finding it quite exciting.

So in this light, even though I know it is near the end of November, I have to tell you about another adventure that I had in October. It was a bittersweet journey that was extremely powerful for me.

My godmother’s memorial service was held in Florida in late October. Where she lived in Florida isn’t very convenient to airports and if I flew I would have to rent a car. It looked like the best opportunity to get to the services was to drive. Unfortunately, finding a travel partner wasn’t promising. So I made the decision to travel alone and make it a 5-day journey. I had never done this before, but I wasn’t going to let that stop me.

As it turned out, on the way to Florida, I was able to stop in SW Georgia to meet someone who was selling her collection of sewing machines. A friend of mine met me there and hauled the machines off to his house for me to pick up later.

My next stop was Florida. Before my godmother’s services, I put myself on a mission to see a live manatee. On a rainy Saturday morning, I found myself alone in a wonderful state park/zoo. I was mesmerized with this opportunity of watching the gorgeous animals and birds without the disturbance of other people (except the keepers). No kids screaming, or people talking, or competition for that fabulous photo opportunity. For 2 hours I was in heaven…and I got to see the manatee.

The next day I was on the road again to visit family in Savannah, GA. I really love that town and I love my cousin who lives there. I had a great time and the next day found myself on the road home. The 5-day journey was over.

Between my highlighted stops, I had a lot of time to be alone. I listened to upbeat music on my XM radio. I thought a million thoughts. Cried a few tears. I was awestruck by the beauty of the country-side which I drove. And I surprised myself, by how much I enjoyed my journey and being alone. Well not completely alone, I did pick up a hitchhiker at McDonalds who became my mascot for the road trip. Now that I’m home, I’m anxious for another opportunity for a road trip. Who knew, I would really like traveling alone.

When I started writing this post, I was sitting in a beach front home in Virginia watching the waves crash the shore. My sewing machine was waiting, in front of the window, for me to start her up and work on my project.  When I got tired of sewing, I could look up and stare at the beach front…what a view!

I was there on a quilting retreat with 11 other like-mined professional art quilters. These women were extremely enthusiastic about having a few days to walk away from their busy lives and dedicate to their sewing passion. I was quite impressed with the talent that surrounded me. I was also very impressed with them as individuals. Each of them had a sense of calm about them that radiated throughout the house. No worries, just enjoyment!

Each morning I awoke with the enthusiasm of a child at Christmas. I would jump from my bed and peer out the window to see the sun start to peak over the ocean horizon. I would quickly get dressed and walk to the shore and sit down to watch the sun rise from the depths of the sea. Wow! Each morning the view was just as spectacular as the previous morning. I felt so comforted sitting there in this vast space watching the birds and dolphins play. I truly needed this down time.

I also needed the creative time. Ideas are streaming, spurred on by conversations, challenges, and sheer beauty that surrounded me that weekend. During the weekend, I started and completed a 12″x12″ cat portrait, that I’m calling “Scat Cat.” This piece was made especially for Animal Advocates of Moore County and their annual silent auction fund raiser in December. They are doing good things and I’m glad to help them. This piece is special to me, because of the memories of the weekend it was created. I wish I could always work with a sewing machine with a view like that.

It is truly a weird feeling to stop at a store that you’ve frequented for years and see a magazine on the rack that contains something your wrote. When my pincushion article came out in Quilts and More magazine this February, I was surprised to see it at all the grocery stores in town. I would see it and giggle inside, then poke my husband and say, “Look, its MY magazine.” The thrill has inspired me to try to  get published more, unfortunately, I can’t say anything about what I’m trying. You’ll just have to wait and see.

Since we last met, I was happily selling kits for the “Early Bloomers” pincushion on my Etsy store, busy editing a sewing book, having fun inspiring new sewers in my sewing classes at the community college, and dreaming about what’s next. In the furry of activity, I visited with my aunt in the Bay area and helped her with the process of down-sizing as she moves onto the next chapter of her life.  Just a busy month of stuff going on … freelance style.

During all of this, Spring happened. The dogwoods are in full bloom, the daffodils have come and gone, the azaleas are preparing to explode. Its spring!!! My favorite season.

Here in the south spring comes early, but doesn’t seem to stay very long. And, that’s true for Better Homes and Garden’s Quilts and More, Spring 2011 magazine.  The spring edition appeared in early February and will be gone from the shelves by April 26. If you haven’t seen my article, make it a point to look for it or you can order a copy from my Etsy store. This 15 minutes of fame is fading from my life, like the tulips in my yard, all too quickly.

Through all of this I’m reminded, that life is short and you should do what you love. We’re all on a journey of hills and valleys which makes it especially important to stop and take in the beauty when it appears. Spring is a great time of year to remember that.

Its on the shelf now! So, go check it out at your local magazine rack. My “Early Bloomers” pin keeper will be happily waiting to see you on pages 26-29. Along with my pincushion, there are some great patterns. I adore the owl quilt and hamburger pincushion is pretty darn fun.

I’ve been making pincushions for several years. The basic shape was simple, but the toppers just weren’t working for me. You’ll find several renditions if you look back through the pages of this blog. In an attempt to streamline my sewing process, I developed a unique zinnia flower design. The pincushion was so easy to make I decided it was a good project to pattern and kit. Thanks to the folks at Better Homes and Garden Quilts and More magazine, the pattern is available in their Spring 2011 publication. Thanks to my Etsy shop you can purchase the kit to make one in any of the three pictured colors.

This is exciting for me for a couple of reasons. Not that I haven’t been published before, but you may have missed the handful of articles I wrote for now-defunct e-magazine titled Fibre and Stitch. And I’m sure its unlikely you saw the 1995 publication of my graduate research in Wilson Bulletin (a scientific ornithological journal). This publication is different because it is a widely distributed National magazine and one that I love to read.

The other reason it excites me is because my godmother had faith in me. When I first got word of the acceptance, my godmother told me she always looked at the Better Homes and Gardens quilt magazines (they have several) and hoped to find me published within it. I couldn’t tell her then, but I can now…her dream came true and I am so happy that she should live to see it. Today a copy of the magazine and one of the pincushions is heading her way with my love.

I’m blessed in many ways. I’m also happy to know that the next half century of my life I will be working in an industry that I love. I’m glad you’re joining me on this journey. Here’s to a life filled with textiles, wool, misc. fibers, and dreams.

Note: This is a quarterly published magazine that should remain available until April 26. Can’t find it? I have some for sale on my Etsy shop along with the fabric kits and the crushed walnut shell filling to make your own pincushion.

This week I spent time cleaning my studio. The messy chaos that took over in this room fed my creative slump. I had many ideas, but little motivation to start those ideas because I couldn’t find the space to work. Now that I see the top of my work table and I can find things in my closet, I’m excited to start work again. For this I am thankful.

This cleaning spree has allowed me to see the wealth of supplies I have accumulated. I am fortunate to have the financial resources to support my habit. For this I am thankful.

As I sorted through fabric, yarn and other supplies, I found projects in various stages of completion. Finding these things, reminded me that I have talent and a passion for what I do. I am fortunate to have the time and ability to work with my fibery passion. I am also fortunate that professionally I am able to do what I love. For this I am thankful.

I am also reminded that I am fortunate to have your support. I am thankful for my customers who buy my work, it warms my heart to know you “get it” and are willing to spend your hard-earned dollars for it. This means a lot in these economic times. I am thankful for my students. You bring me sunshine, it is truly a gift to see you smile and be so excited to learn from me. And, I am thankful for my family and friends. You encourage me to continue and are ever so grateful when I gift you with my work. It is your enthusiasm that keeps me moving forward.

So here’s to having a clean studio and re-discovering lots of cool stuff in my closet. My goal is to thin down my stash of supplies by creating more things to share with you. For this I am thankful.

Note: The 100% silk hand-crocheted flower pins featured in this post are available for sale in My Etsy Shop, just in time for holiday gift giving (www.nanettesayz.etsy.com).

All the selling and gifting around the holidays unsettles me. We stress ourselves too much about it. I don’t like to be told when I should give, I give when it feels right. My favorite day to give is a “Just Because” day, because it is a wonderful opportunity to surprise people. The recipient isn’t expecting it, which makes the gift stand out, because it isn’t lost in an overly saturated pile of other gifts.

I also am conscience about who gets a hand-made gift from me. Creating takes time, energy, and passion. A hand-made gift cannot be compared to a store bought gift, because the soul of the artist is nested within the layers of a hand-made object. To me, there is almost something sacred about it.

Unfortunately, in our big box world of the throw away society, some recipients of hand-made goods don’t value these gifts. They can’t imagine how a hand-made item can compare to some new electronic device. As an artist, I feel the need to determine who these giftees are and keep them on a separate gift-giving list. I will not knit them a pair of socks or sew a quilt in their honor. I have to remember that they would probably more appreciate a big box gift card, then something I labored hours and my soul over.

It is wonderfully rewarding to spend hours and hours working on a project, knowing that  the recipient will understand the deep value of your sacrifice for them. I know sometimes, grandma’s tea cozy may not fit your style. Just remember to accept it with grace, cherish it, and realize her love is in every stitch. I promise you it will last longer than that new electronic gadget.

Note: The 100% cotton hand-knit lace shawl featured in this post is available for sale in My Etsy Shop, just in time for holiday gift giving (www.nanettesayz.etsy.com).

Yesterday, the first day, I made a Priority Quilt for the Alzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiative. I can’t show you, it because it was part of a secret challenge. But it’s on its way to Houston to meet up with the other quilts in the challenge.

Speaking of finishing things that I started , I’m proud to say there’s another thing off my list. About 10 years ago (yeah really 10 years!), I got together with some friends to have a little play date. We brought pre-cut fabrics in light and dark colors, stuck them by color in paper bags and assembled the strips into a framed square design. I loved the results of this project, but only finished 12 blocks . For several years, I thought I would make more blocks and finish the quilt. Didn’t happen. Every so often I’d find the blocks in my stash and think, “how pretty, I should do something with these.” Again this year I had some ideas come to me, so I arranged the blocks on my design wall and pondered the right time to work on this again. Then, I got the wedding invitation. I like this couple and I know they would appreciate something handmade (This is a good topic for another post, I have to remember it).

Anyway, 3 weeks ago, the blocks started coming together into a quilt for our friends. I have fabric, believe me, and I’m trying to use it instead of buy more. My idea was to build a stash buster quilt, using only the fabrics I have on hand. Part of the mental reasoning behind this is if you already have it, you don’t have to pay for it, so its FREE, right?

So I built this free quilt from my stash. It forced me to be creative and step out of my own boundaries. Now really? Matching red with deep purple sounds horrid, but it really looks good together. I did have to break down and buy the border fabric and the batting, but everything else came from my stash (even the pieced backing). I’m impressed with this little quilt, its the first one I’ve done in almost a year. It has inspired me. It’s time to do more stash busting.

As a kid, I remember going to outdoor fairs/exhibits during the summer. I remember the Renaissance fair at the local college, the air shows, the fire works displays at the local parks and of course, being a child of the 70′s I remember the Bicentennial celebrations and outdoor events.

On Saturday I celebrated Summer and Independence Day in this days-gone-by kind of way. My friend invited me to Old Threshers Reunion in Denton, NC. Having grown up in Chicago, I really didn’t know what I agreed to do.  I thought it was some sort of overgrown reunion for the Thresher family. Boy, did I get that wrong.

A thresher is a a farm machine that separates seeds or grain from husks and straw. For example, Eli Whitney’s cotton gin is a thresher. So knowing what a thresher is, you may wonder why they would have a reunion.

I got it the answer as soon as I saw all the tractors lined up. Its like antique car collecting. The people who attend this reunion are proud of preserving the history of our nation, especially how machinery has played a role in farming.

In an era of Internet, cellphones, cable TV and a plethora of other technical devices, it is fascinating to see real “machines” in action. Steam and early gasoline engines where everywhere. We were greeted by a beautifully restored working steam train and the sound of “hit and miss” engines was the melody we heard all day.

Along with the engines that were entered into the judged events, there were vendors of all sorts. There was a mix of carnival-style vendors selling t-shirts, trinkets, chicken on stick and Italian ice.

There was also a wide variety of flea market and antique vendors. Clearly the mission of these vendors was to entice the sales from the thresher enthusiasts. We found tables and tables of old tools, gears and spare parts. I found myself attracted to all the old oil cans. Do younger people even know what these are?

As someone who loves the “old way” of doing traditional craft, I found myself fascinated more than I could believe. The wood and iron combined with the beauty of the machinery and the smell of engine oil, had me mesmerized as we wondered the fair grounds. The people that were around us weren’t the big city type I grew up with.  Overalls seemed to be the respected uniform of the day. It was a step back in time, comforting me as it reminded me of my summer excursions as a kid.

At noon, everyone stopped. I mean everyone and we all turned toward the American flag to listen to the National Anthem sung over the loud speakers. This event alone sent chills down my spine. I so wanted to take out my camera to capture what I was seeing around me, but it was most important to respect what we were all doing. This day reminded me I am proud to be an American.

Olivia can wear hats. She loves to wear hats! You can spot her from the other side of the room because her hats are so wonderful. And so, Olivia inspires me.

About a year ago, she noticed my felted flowers and wanted them for her hats. I, never thinking to put the flowers on hats, was happy Olivia admired them.  She took some of the flowers to shows for me and received great attention.

So I made a hat to showcase a felted flower and now people want me to make hats.   I made several hats to sell at Artist Alley, just in time for Mother’s Day. With the help of Olivia, I’m learning to be gracious with a little Hat-itude. Now you know why I’m wearing this Hat-itude!