Life Is One Big Learning Experience

Hello Friends!  Wowzers, what a month!  I tell you what, it'll be awhile before I book my calendar that tight again!  Sometimes you can't help it but, jeez, that was a rough one!  Not to mention we've been crazy busy at my day job.

First, I'm super pleased to say that my first guild presentation seemed to go fairly well.  Let me just say, it was a very near disaster.  I didn't realize I needed to bring ALL my own equipment for the presentation.  Luckily, Katie M and a random IT guy came to my rescue in the nick of time.  Everything I do is a lesson in life.  Everything.  Next time, I'll know better!!!  Anyways, I didn't make a complete fool of myself.  Sales were wonderful!  And, on Saturday I gave a Back Basting Applique class.  We did the block for this pillow.  That was much easier.  It helps to be surrounded by friends!  So, if you know any guilds interested in hiring me for a class/ presentation, let me know.

I had tons of fun and torment while traveling this summer to quilt shows.  Again, everything is a learning experience.  My most recent, Urbana, was almost a complete bust.  I'm not sure if it was the weather (it rained the whole time), if it was the days of the show ( Friday and Saturday) or if they just didn't like what I had to offer.  But, I learned some more stuff about traveling and how I want to present my shop.  It's obvious that I need to diversify and I need more samples!  Samples, samples, samples!  So, now that I'm slowing down (pretending to), I got back to work on my Hungarian Heritage quilt.  I do have this book for sale in the shop and I LOVE it!  I got 2 more blocks done.

The project so far.  It's going to be pretty big.  I didn't buy enough red to do the borders, so I'll have to figure something out.  Naturally, my distributors don't have it in stock any longer.  Distributors are another thing I'm trying to figure out.  Note that the middle block, far left is not set right.  Booo!  But, I don't know that it screams at you.  So, I can either do a few more wrong and pretend it was on purpose or just let that one be it's own unique self.

 Here's the center block for my President's Challenge this year.  I'm calling it Blue Danube.  I'm loving it so far.

 Then, randomly, I decided to start a whole new project that has nothing to do with anything other than I'd been planning it for awhile.  I've got some grey fabric with pink flamingos on it that has been in my stash for a few years now.  Naturally, I decide that it can't wait and I have to start it in the middle of my craziness.

 I'm using star blocks that I had downloaded during Turning Twenty's block of the month a few years ago.  I knew they'd come in handy eventually.

 Nice big, easy blocks.

 I should end up with 12 stars and then I'll figure out how to get the flamingos incorporated.

 The guild's BOM from last month.  I didn't have it ready in time for the meeting but I treated myself to some embroidery afterwards, since I hadn't completely humiliated myself...  I'm using some of the Wildflowers thread that I sell in the shop.  So pretty up close!

 The project so far.  I've got a new one to work on this month.  That'll be my treat for finishing Hungarian Heritage.

I still have 3 quilts on my UFO list but things aren't looking good.  If I concentrate, I might get one of them quilted.  Both my Clamshells and Irish Chain tops are finished.  But, that means making a backing, basting, quilting and binding before the November meeting.  I MIGHT get one done.  MIGHT!

And, that brings us mostly up to date!  My next "event" will be at Frieden's Church here in Troy on 11/11.  Right down the street!  No hotel, no long road trips!  Hope you can all stop by to see the shenanigans!