And I had to share this little owl. I ran into it in Walmart in the children's department: it is the perfect size for a socks project bag. Just shows that you have to keep your eyes open no matter where you are.
I think it has been years since I won anything but recently I hit the jackpot. I won these items from Julie at The Crafty Quilter. My winnings included a quilt pattern, a Moda charm pack and a beautiful fabric necklace made by Julie. I was excited when she told me I had won but way more excited when I opened the package. Thank you, Julie.
People who have been reading my blog for some time know that I became quite ill last summer. But really it started several month before, we just didn't realize what was happening. This picture really shows how long it has been since I was up and going: this quilt was put on the frame in September, 2014. I was whizzing right along and then two things happened: The machine started snapping the thread and I was unable to stand long enough to deal with it. So this is where the quilt is now and I have quilted about 3 rows and have 2 to go. I should have it done this month but the next two pictures will show why that may not happen.
This is my ironing board. Both ends are piled with fabrics from three or four different projects. With just that little space I have not been able to do much and am easily frustrated when I try. My goal this week is to clear this off so I can begin to be quilting productive again.
However there is one other problem. Under all of this, accumulated over the last several months, is my 3' x 5' cutting table. My current plan is to put everything here into a laundry basket so I can work on the table and then work from the basket to put things away. During my illness I would come to work, get things out and then be overwhelmed either by the mess or my lack of energy and just leave the area. My husband offered to clean it up but I was afraid I would never find anything so I am going to work at it a little at a time.
My studio is a 3 room mobile office divided into a quilting room, a sewing room, and a prep/knitting room. All of the rooms need work but I think that if I can get these areas up and running I can deal with whatever else needs to be done. At least that is my plan.
I am very fortunate. I was diagnosed with breast cancer that has moved into my entire skeletal system. We thought it was a death sentence but with medication I appear to be MUCH better than I was and am able to do most of what I was doing before I knew I was sick. God has been so very good to me and I hope to be able to use the time given to me wisely. Gari
