Hi there! It's been weeks and weeks since I last blogged. I am so happy to re-join our lovely online community. How are you all?
I took a blogging/IG/sewing break over Christmas mostly because it is just not practical to keep things up and moving while I travel to/from the US for the holiday. Anyway, I am back in Ireland and ready to dive right back in to blogging/IG.
While I was in the US, I picked up a WHOLE LOT of fabric orders I had posted to Pennsylvania. These goodies were picked up from American shops in sales from Aug through Dec. Needless to say I had a great time digging through these parcels after my flight landed. Yum yum yum!
Wait! Re-focus. I have been thinking a good bit about how/what I sew, about blogging and about the
shop. I have come to a few conclusions I would like to share with you. (Interspersed with photos of my new fabric/notion goodies!)
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Two layer cakes and one charm pack. They were at insane sale prices, so I couldn't resist. The plan is to make two single-bed sized quilts for B and I to use when camping in front of the camp fire. Get it? The camping themed S'more Love line and Road 15 prints seemed perfect. |
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It's time. I should start making basic clothes like PJ bottoms and skirts. Why not start with this? I can do this, right? I already have questions before I even opened the package!! Also on insane sale at Joann's (-75% or something nuts). |
1. Blogging - Blogging seems to get pushed to the bottom of my to-do list each day. I do not want it to be that way. I love chatting with you guys; love the laughs and inspiration I gain from each of you. Instead of ignoring my blog, what I would like is:
A) reading your blogs over my lunch break each day for a bit of mid-day quilty inspiration. I am usually pretty bad at reading weekend posts and I think it is going to stay that way. Too much real-life living to do over my weekend :)
B) aim for posting 3 times a week. I tend to get overwhelmed thinking of 5 posts per week, then spend all of my free time writing posts and not sewing or (worse) not writing at all! Or I get focused on showing you only finishes instead of where I am each day/week. Instead, I will most likely sew week evenings/weekends and write three posts on Sunday to go live through the week to tell you about all of the creative action here at FSQ headquarters.
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Three Blueberry Park FQs from my LQS in Pennsylvania. I'm so lucky to have such an awesome LQS when traveling. I know so many of you love this line, but I just don't get it. I thought if I made something I'd see what you see? Maybe? |
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Also from the LQS. Who could resist Echino at American prices? I couldn't, clearly. |
2.
Shop - I would like for the shop to become a bit more interactive with each of you. For that reason, I will be offering monthly blogger bundles (have the first three brave volunteers lined up already!) with each blogger putting their own spin on the fabric choices, associated tutes and giveaways. I think it will be great fun. I will also start organizing monthly activities/contests to spruce things up around here. Keep your eye out for a way to play along in the near future.
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Hello Tokyo. I. Love. This. Line. The whole thing. This is destined to become a new lunch bag going to/from work. |
3. Sewing - I am at a loss here. I would like to:
A) create more from my stash (without going on a fabric diet!) and for that reason will link up with
Sarah each month. I love my stash - why wouldn't I use it more?
B) be more creative and THINK more about what I am making. The planning/thinking/math of a project is nearly as great for me as sewing it - I love letting my mind tumble over these problems when I'm falling asleep or driving. I miss that when I have a set pattern that I'm following. For that reason I have a project in mind starting next week that will be a new adventure for me. More on that later...
C) create more by hand. I am not a great hand piecer, but would like to gain more confidence hand quilting or in needlework like embroidery/cross stitch. That way I get to create on my couch and still interact with my family WHILE indulging those creative juices.
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Denyse Schmidt from Joann's. It was on sale and I couldn't stop myself. Oranges, reds and yellows... |
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....and more from the same line. I'll have to do some epic-scale quilt to incorporate all of these prints/colors. |
Those are my mental rumblings. 2013 was not my most creative or fruitful year. I will do my best to grow in 2014 and to really push my skills/ability/productivity. Here's to fresh starts!