Oh how things have chnged…..hopefully for the better!?!!!!

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The first year we opened was also the first year we became grandparents of a 5 pound bundle of joy.That sweet little boys came to work with us everyday. 18 months later he was joined by his sweet little sister and we had two grands at work everyday. What a bond we have with those two and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

We had so much fun with the H’s. Seeing them every day was such a blessing but the store got busier and busier and it was time to let them experience daycare with the best provider EVER…Chandra.

The store has went from one room to two and finally to three rooms and from one longarm to three.We have renovated several times to serve our customers better. We now have two more little bundles of joy and every now and then they get to come to work with us. Let’s be honest….little work gets done those days but a lot of memories and a whole lot of fun.

Quilt Retreat Fun

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I have the BEST customers!! It’s funny how God puts just the right people in your life but I’m sure glad he does. Those of you that know me, know I am social inside the store, but prefer to stay on my corner of the world. Let me explain. My husband, Tom, and I own two weekly newspapers (that’s our real job). In the past it was my job to go to ballgames and meetings about 4/5 nights per week. When I started the quilt store (so I would have something to do when I ‘retire’) it exploded must quicker than I expected. So he has taken over all the ballgames and meetings, leaving me to do what I love…sew and longarm. (I am a very lucky woman). That means I really don’t have to go in public and I have kind of gotten used to being what my kids call a recluse. Don’t get me wrong, I go to all my grandkids ballgames but that is about the extent of my social calendar these days (except for taking my mom to doctor’s visits).

To make a long story short, some ladies from the Stitches in Times Quilt Guild in Ulysses have invited me to their quilt retreat for 3 years. First as a vendor, which I quickly noted is not something I would be comfortable with. Setting up a booth just seems like a lot of work and then I would have to just watch all those ladies sew…pure torture. Every year my grandson has had a sporting event, until this year. To their surprise I accepted their gracious invitation and quickly started planning projects. Keep in mind – I have NEVER been to a quilt retreat. I am however an avid and very focused quilter. With that in mind I decided that maybe I should just assemble some quilts so I got a couple of quilts worth of blocks ready to go and designed a third quilt.

The retreat started bright and early at 8 am and I arrived and was set up and ready to sew by 8:30 am. I finished the first two quilts the first day. I obviously didn’t spend enough time visiting and checking out all the other project. I slowed down a bit the second day and finished the quilt I designed. Also got some much needed help from Terrie Hiner on machine embroidery and appliqué. She does amazing work and is so patient with my newbie questions.

I also got to meet some very nice ladies, have some great BBQ, and play some fun games. It’s been awhile since I ‘let down my hair’. The OCD in me just doesn’t let that happen very often. Thank you so much to the Stitches in Time Quilt Guild and specifically Pat Baker, Gayle Archuleta and Becky Schloemer. Special thank you to Gayle and Jesse for being such gracious hosts and allowing me to stay at their home. Sorry it didn’t come with a KU win 🙂

 

It doesn’t get any better than this!!

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My mom has had kind of a rough year health wise and to boot her birthday is December 24th. Her birthday just kind of gets worked in with Christmas. At the last possible second, my daughter and I had an idea to make her a quilt with a panel I had found that says “I Love you to the Moon and Back”. My mom says this to all the grandkids and great grands. To top it off we thought it would be nice if it was a joint effort and still be able to accomplish it in 6 days. You know….no pressure.

My granddaughter, Hannah, is 7 years old and loves to sew. She does a great job of making HST so we decided to make some starts for cornerstones. She also sewed on part of the borders. She was soooo excited to give it to Grandma Darlene for her birthday.

Hannah was so cautious, making sure her seams were straight. I should maybe take lessons from her on slowing down and making sure things are precise. I just realized while admiring the next generation of quilters the she didn’t even take the time to take off her coat. That’s true dedication.

It took a couple of sewing days but that smiles says it all. The best part was it was a surprise for her Great Grandma and my mom.

This picture says it all! Here’s to a new year with lots of quilting and the people that go with it.

 

 

 

Counting my Blessings

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What a state our world is in. I find myself trying to find a new ‘normal’ and failing with the ever changing requirements. I joke with my family often that I could easily be a hermit, but people come in to visit the store and my social needs are met. These days…not so much. With the Governor ordering us to close business doors I am working to meet my customers needs. In regards to that I have had my ever helpful husband build a closet in the back of my store. It has a lock and the combination changes with each client, as does disinfecting. This will allow customers to arrange pick up of their quilts and fabric orders as well as drop of quilt tops without coming face-to-face contact. (Wow, I never thought I would ever have to ‘say’ those words – but safety first.)

Now, back to my blessings. I am so grateful and blessed that I have such amazing customers. I miss each and every one of you. You truly have become friends and family and I miss our conversations and am looking forward the day they return. I am already planning the opening party.

I am also thankful for a mother that taught me to sew. Every quilt I put on my longarm machines give me joy as they become a treasure. I hope that feeling never goes away.

I enjoyed the weekend sewing with my daughter, something we don’t normally have time to do. It was a very relaxing, fun weekend and I feel so blessed to have a hobby that we can share. A quilt she created is now available online in a pre-cut kit featuring Dreamweaver fabric from Riley Blake Designs.

I hope everyone is staying safe and can enjoy the slower pace. Don’t forget to check in with friends and family to make sure everyone is holding up physically and mentally. I for one am finding the mental a bit of challenge. Gratefully I have some great friends that make the quarantine easier. I am ready for open doors and windows and welcoming spring. I can’t wait for the last spring to adorn the front of our building with color and flowers.

God’s blessings and protection to all of you. Stay safe and sew 🙂