Time goes by

Happy New Year! We are now in the year 2014.
I noticed that my last entry was around Thanksgiving, my bad. I have of course preparing for Christmas, working on 2 donation quilts, and my book which means making another quilt for it.
Oh yes, we also had new granite counter tops put in a couple of weeks ago.   The counter tops were the gift my husband and I gave to ourselves.

Yesterday and today was spent putting away the holiday decorations and fitting in a little sewing.  My husband and daughter went the movies a couple of times. Have to support the 'arts' you know.

Now its back to work and routine.  I wish you a Happy New Year.

Boulder Crest Quilts

A few days ago I went with a group of fellow quilters to tour Boulder Crest Retreat. Boulder Crest is for wounded military warriors and is located about an hour out of Washington D.C. It is still in the construction phrase and expects to open in the fall 2013. The area is being built entirely by donations. The land (37 acres) was given by a retired military man. The 3 cabins are being furnished by donations also, furniture, cabinets, appliances have all been given by nationally known companies. Boy scouts have worked on landscaping for eagle projects. And the local quilt groups- Waterford Quilters Guild, Joshua’s Hands, and local Bee groups- are providing quilts for beds, laps quilts, and give away quilts for children. Our tour included a nearly completed cabin. Each cabin has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, kitchen and living area with a fireplace. They are lovely and functional for handicap needs. Each unit has lots of windows and a balcony to view the Blue Ridge foothills as well as the fishing pond on the grounds. There are big plans for this retreat. They hope to serve several hundred warriors and their families per year. Some will stay 2 nights or 2 weeks as they are able, giving the warriors a much needed break from long term recuperative strays and quality time with families. You may be sure that the local quilters will keep them well supplied with quilts.

New Year Resolutions

Every January I take an inventory of unfinished projects. I categorize them on the degrees of completion. Some only need the binding sewn on, some are waiting to be quilted, and some are packaged with fabric and pattern but not yet started. This inventory tells me 2 things, how many I have waiting and have accomplished in the previous year and what area of work I tend to neglect. Every year my goal is to complete more than I start or at least as many. Of course each year I fail – because there is always more beautiful fabric appearing calling to me to make a quilt from it. However not to sound like I don’t finish anything, I do. I do complete several quilts a year usually for business. This year I finished a several personal UFO’s that I donated to various organizations but I want to do more. Giving back to the community is my other resolution this year. The 3 years or so I have been busy and pursuing my own interests and that’s fine. I have though pushed my community work aside in doing so. This year I resolve to contribute again in that area. For me that means quilts for others. My quilt guild has a strong commitment of making quilts for others and I plan on attending the gatherings to help.

Giving is better than receiving

Yesterday I had an appointment in the morning that finished early. I thought about going home and doing all the things waiting for me. Yesterday was also my quilt guild’s charity quilt day. I hadn’t attended in several months and was feeling guilty about it. So I drove over to lend a hand. I am glad I did. The saying goes that you will get more out of giving than receiving. These quilts are donated to a local hospital’s Chemo Center. So far the guild has made and delivered 138 quilts. The guild group has a goal of 150 by the year’s end. When a bundle of quilts are delivered they are spread out on a table for all the staff and patients to admire. No one can resist hoooos and awes, and touching them. We all know that quilts do more than keep you warm, they warm the soul too. The center has told us that the quilts are highly prized by those who receive them. In fact one the ladies attending yesterday’s bee commented that her mother had received a chemo quilt (from another place and time) and loved it greatly, it had given her a great deal of emotional comfort during her ordeal. The comment cemented the fact that this project was giving to us as much as we were giving to the project.

Weekend Activity - Creative Arts Summit

Just a quick comment. I am attending the Creative Arts Summit in the Dulles area of Virginia. I had felt I was at a crossroads in my business and was not sure how much I would get from this event. I have pages of notes and a renewal focus and energy to continue. I have met some wonderful and inspiring women. So glad I came.